From a troubled childhood to a terrifying reign as one of Mexico’s most notorious serial killers, Juana Barraza, also known as “La Mataviejitas,” has left a chilling legacy. This article provides a deep-dive into her life, from her early years to her current life behind bars.
Who is Juana Barraza?
Juana Barraza, once a professional wrestler, turned into one of the most infamous serial killers in Mexican history. Her nickname, “La Mataviejitas” or “The Little Old Lady Killer,” came from her victims—elderly women.
She committed her first known murder in the late 1990s, but it wasn’t until 2003 that the authorities recognized a horrifying pattern. The scale of her criminal acts varies according to different sources, suggesting she might be responsible for between 42 to 48 deaths. However, only 16 murders led to her conviction, resulting in her 759-year prison sentence.
Other Suspects in the Mataviejitas Case
Though the arrest of Juana Barraza marked the end of the Mataviejitas case, it’s worth noting that other suspects were also arrested in connection to these murders. Araceli Vázquez and Mario Tablas were apprehended in 2005 and were also dubbed “The Mataviejitas” by the police and the media.
Juana Barraza’s Current Situation
Juana Barraza now resides in Santa Martha de Acatitla prison, Mexico City, serving a 759-year sentence for her heinous crimes. Mexican law usually imposes a maximum sentence of 60 years, but in Barraza’s case, multiple long sentences accumulated to the staggering 759 years.
As of her sentencing, Barraza was 50 years old, indicating she will likely spend the rest of her life incarcerated. Her life in prison now revolves around her work as a gym instructor and selling tacos for her family’s benefit.
Juana Barraza’s Brief Marriage in Prison
While behind bars, Juana managed to find a semblance of personal life. In 2015, she married a fellow inmate named Miguel Quiróz, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce after only a year.
A Deep Dive into Juana Barraza’s Crime Spree
Barraza’s crime spree is chilling to comprehend. She often targeted elderly women, posing as a doctor or social worker to gain their trust. Once she managed to deceive them, she would rob and kill them.
Her terror spree was finally halted when a tenant interrupted her attempt to murder 89-year-old Ana María de los Reyes Alfaro. Upon her arrest, she confessed to three murders, but the police suspected her involvement in over 40 deaths.
The Many Victims of Juana Barraza
Juana Barraza was charged with 30 counts of murder, but she was convicted for 16. The exact number of her victims remains uncertain, with some estimations ranging up to 48 deaths. More than 30 of these cases remain unresolved, leaving a haunting legacy of unanswered questions.
Unraveling Juana Barraza’s Motive
The reasons behind Barraza’s brutal murders remain complex and enigmatic. Some suggest her resentful relationship with her abusive mother might have been a driving force. However, her multiple unsolved crimes hint at a deeper, darker psychological profile that is yet to be fully understood.
Juana Barraza’s life serves as a disturbing testament to the potential darkness within the human psyche. Her story underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the roots of such violence and the importance of addressing them.
