American Homicide: S1: E3 – Abducted in Albuquerque

Release Date: October 24, 2024
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the third episode of American Homicide, journalist Sloan Glass delves into the harrowing case of Yolanda Medina, a young woman whose tragic fate intertwined with the vast deserts of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to her disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the chilling aftermath that left the community and law enforcement grappling for answers.

The Discovery of Yolanda Medina

Date: October 23, 1991
Location: Bernalillo, New Mexico

On the evening of Columbus Day in 1991, Yolanda Medina, a 20-year-old college student, was last seen leaving her workplace at a travel agency in downtown Albuquerque. The following day, her body was discovered in an arroyo—an irrigation ditch—15 miles north of the city in Bernalillo.

Sloan Glass narrates:

"A young woman's body was discarded in the desert." [01:37]

Aldous Hodge, a key detective in the case, recounts the grim scene:

"I grabbed my camera and walked down this ditch bank about 200 yards where this tree was, and saw what appeared to be a female... I also noticed that there were maggots coming out of every orifice of her body that I knew she had been there for a few days." [04:47]

The coroner's office confirmed Yolanda Medina's identity through dental records. She was found naked with bruises on her face and chest, making initial identification challenging.

Yolanda Medina: A Life Cut Short

Yolanda was beloved by her family and peers. A third-generation Mexican-American, she juggled college classes while working, aspiring to become a flight attendant. Her warm demeanor and friendly nature made her a cherished member of her community.

Aldous Hodge reflects on her character:

"She was just a very outgoing young lady that had such a future ahead of her." [06:35]

The nightmare for her family and the tight-knit Bernalillo community was intensified by the sudden and brutal nature of her death.

The Investigation Begins

Detective Tony Lopez of the Bernalillo Police Department spearheaded the investigation. Being his first homicide case, Lopez was deeply committed to bringing justice to Yolanda's family.

Aldous Hodge shares Lopez's determination:

"I was not going to stop till I caught the people who were responsible for this." [10:37]

Initial leads pointed to a couple from Veracruz, Mexico, whom Yolanda had assisted at her travel agency. This couple, Mario Torres and Catalina Tarin, were the last known individuals to see Yolanda alive.

Identifying the Suspects: Mario Torres and Catalina Tarin

The investigation focused on Mario and Catalina after eyewitnesses described a Hispanic couple leaving with Yolanda. Police sketches and public appeals helped narrow down their identities.

Sloan Glass details:

"The couple was the last to see Yolanda alive. So the first order of business was to find them." [09:13]

The couple's connection to Yolanda was further solidified when fake identification cards and personal belongings of Yolanda were discovered in their possession during a search of their sanctuary at a local church.

A Narrow Escape: Tina Unali's Testimony

A pivotal moment in the investigation was the testimony of Tina Unali, a woman who had attempted to assist Mario and Catalina. She narrowly escaped an attempted assault, providing crucial insights into the suspects' motives and methods.

Aldous Hodge recounts:

"She felt so blessed and lucky to get away and not become a victim." [17:10]

Tina's account revealed the couple's intent to sexually assault, exposing the dangerous nature of Mario and Catalina.

Arrest and Evidence

Through diligent police work, including surveillance and community tips, Mario Torres and Catalina Tarin were apprehended. The evidence against them was overwhelming, featuring:

• Yolanda Medina's class ring with her name engraved.
• The jacket she was last seen wearing.
• Fake Social Security cards.
• A gold necklace and bracelet belonging to Yolanda.
• A piece of the rag found in Yolanda's throat matched one found in the couple's possession.

Aldous Hodge emphasizes the gravity of the evidence:

"The rag was actually used to help kill her... That was one of the worst things, that they killed her in a church where they were given sanctuary." [20:30]

Despite the strength of the physical evidence, the legal proceedings took an unexpected turn.

The Sudden Turn of Events: Suspects' Suicides

As the trial was set to begin in May 1992, Mario and Catalina Torres tragically took their own lives in custody on the morning of Cinco de Mayo. This mysterious event halted the legal process, leaving many questions unanswered.

Gary Mitchell, attorney for Catalina, expresses skepticism:

"I found her very pleasant, very nice, very meek... It never occurred to me that all that charm came from a psychopath." [24:03]

Their suicide notes further complicated the case, as Mario confessed to two additional murders in Mexico, implicating his brother, though these claims were met with skepticism both locally and internationally.

Cecilia Nimchak, Assistant District Attorney, notes:

"Mario claimed he used a fake name while he was in the United States... It's far from over." [26:53]

Aftermath and Lingering Doubts

The case concluded with the suicides of the suspects, but the community and Detective Lopez were left with unresolved emotions and unanswered questions.

Aldous Hodge shares his lingering unease:

"I was troubled by the fact that they used churches... That seemed particularly evil." [20:49]

Moreover, during an autopsy, Catalina was found wearing Yolanda's contact lenses, a detail that puzzled the investigators and hinted at deeper manipulations.

Aldous Hodge reflects:

"Seeing two bodies there, laid, laying there lifeless... the couple... were very evil." [31:16]

Despite the closure provided by their deaths, the truth behind Yolanda Medina's murder remained partly obscured, leaving Detective Lopez unsettled and the community yearning for complete justice.

Conclusion

This episode of American Homicide masterfully weaves the tragic narrative of Yolanda Medina with the investigative efforts to uncover the truth behind her untimely death. Through interviews, detailed recounting of events, and analysis of the evidence, Sloan Glass paints a vivid picture of a community shaken by violence and a detective driven by the pursuit of justice. The unresolved elements and the mysterious suicides of the suspects add layers of complexity, inviting listeners to ponder the elusive nature of truth in the face of tragedy.

Notable Quotes

• Sloan Glass [01:37]: "A young woman's body was discarded in the desert."

• Aldous Hodge [04:47]: "I grabbed my camera and walked down this ditch bank about 200 yards where this tree was, and saw what appeared to be a female... I also noticed that there were maggots coming out of every orifice of her body that I knew she had been there for a few days."

• Aldous Hodge [10:37]: "I was not going to stop till I caught the people who were responsible for this."

• Aldous Hodge [20:30]: "The rag was actually used to help kill her... that they killed her in a church where they were given sanctuary."

• Gary Mitchell [24:03]: "I found her very pleasant, very nice, very meek... It never occurred to me that all that charm came from a psychopath."

• Cecilia Nimchak [26:53]: "Mario claimed he used a fake name while he was in the United States... It's far from over."

• Aldous Hodge [31:16]: "Seeing two bodies there, laid, laying there lifeless... the couple... were very evil."

Final Thoughts

American Homicide continues to explore the depths of America's most mysterious and iconic murder cases, highlighting the intricate connections between crime and their unique settings. In "Abducted in Albuquerque," the narrative not only uncovers the brutal reality of Yolanda Medina's murder but also delves into the psychological and procedural intricacies that define such investigations. This episode serves as a compelling testament to the relentless pursuit of truth within the shadows of tragedy.