Cold Case Files: REOPENED: Justice for Eglena
Host: Paula Barros
Produced by: A&E / PodcastOne
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: Justice for Eglena," hosted by Paula Barros, Cold Case Files delves into the harrowing cold case of Eglena Diaz de Leon. This case, emblematic of the many unresolved murders in America, showcases the relentless pursuit of justice through advancements in forensic technology and dedicated law enforcement efforts.
The Crime: A Night of Celebration Turned Tragedy
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The story unfolds on September 16, 1992, in Sanguine, Texas, during the city's Independence Festival. Eglena Diaz de Leon, a 15-year-old high school student, attended the celebration with her friends against her mother's initial hesitance.
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As the festivities wound down around 2 a.m., a solitary beat cop discovered Eglena's lifeless body in the courtyard of a nearby church. Officer Maureen Watson and Detective Jimmy Limmer were the first responders to the gruesome scene.
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Maureen Watson recounts the shock of discovering Eglena, stating, “It was shocking. It was sad. And for me, a young patrolman, it was overwhelming.”
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Detective Jimmy Limmer provides a chilling detail: “The body was totally disrobed. No shoes, no clothes, no jewelry, nothing.”
Eglena's tragic end was the result of a calculated attack—strangulation followed by a fatal stab wound to her neck, suggesting the precision and intent of a seasoned perpetrator.
Initial Investigation: Clues and Suspects
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Officer Watson discovered a bandana near a storm drain, which she immediately recognized and secured as potential evidence. Unfortunately, the blood smears present were inadequate for DNA analysis at the time.
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The investigation led detectives to Eglena's mother, Atsi de Leon, who expressed her maternal instincts: “I can remember a couple of them that I didn't like... as a mother.”
Despite several leads, including a sketch of a male Hispanic in his 20s with a distinctive haircut resembling Steven Seagal’s style, initial suspicions fell short of concrete evidence.
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Detective Jimmy Limmer described identifying Guadalupe Sandoval as a suspect: “Oh, he was a dead ringer for the guy in the sketch... He had fresh hair clippings on his shirt.”
However, insufficient physical evidence and conflicting alibis led the case to stagnate, eventually being relegated to the cold files.
The Case Goes Cold: Lingering Doubts
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District Attorney Bud Kuykendall acknowledged the challenges: “We just didn't have enough to connect him to the crime.”
Eglena's family remained devastated, relying on faith and the hope that justice would one day prevail:
Atsi de Leon: “I knew it would happen one day because I never gave up that hope.”
Reopening the Case: The Texas Rangers Take Charge
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A decade later, Lieutenant Antonio Leal of the Texas Rangers took interest in the cold case, determined to provide answers for Eglena's family and restore peace to the community.
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Leal revisited the evidence, focusing on the previously overlooked bandana.
Antonio Leal: “When you're reviewing a cold case, something was missed the first time. So we don't, in investigating cold cases, ignore any piece of evidence.”
Under his leadership, the Texas Rangers employed modern DNA analysis techniques to re-examine the evidence, revealing a breakthrough.
Breakthrough: DNA Evidence Secures the Link
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Chad Hanley, a DNA analyst, identified a male genetic profile on the bandana:
Chad Hanley: “It was a wide area, possibly something from nasal mucus or sweat... It does give you something to have some hope with.”
This DNA profile matched Guadalupe Sandoval, corroborating the original suspicions and providing the necessary evidence to move forward.
The Trial: Bringing Sandoval to Justice
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With the DNA evidence in hand, District Attorney Bud Kuykendall emphasized the strength of the case:
Bud Kuykendall: “This is what we'd been looking for. This took a circumstantial case that was a house of cards and made it into a brick wall.”
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Maureen Watson revisited her pivotal moment of evidence collection:
Maureen Watson: “My memories of that night were vivid. I had no problem going back 10 years. I can remember that moment like it was frozen in time.”
The prosecution hinged on the bandana's DNA, while defense struggled to explain the incriminating evidence.
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The estranged wife of Sandoval testified against him, revealing his violent tendencies:
Bud Kuykendall: “One of the things he did sometimes was to choke women into submission for sex, and he had done that to her.”
Ultimately, Sandoval was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 75 years in prison.
Aftermath and Justice: Healing and Reflection
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Lieutenant Leal reflected on the complexity of justice:
Antonio Leal: “Would you rather him gone to prison when he was a loser and had nothing to lose? Or is it more punishment to go to prison when he’s gained all these things...”
The resolution of Eglena's case provided solace to her family and underscored the importance of perseverance in cold cases.
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Atsi de Leon shared her enduring faith and hope for other victims:
Atsi de Leon: “We're doing it also for other victims, other families that have gone through this and for them to have hope that it'll come to one day.”
Conclusion
The "REOPENED: Justice for Eglena" episode of Cold Case Files is a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and the advancements in forensic science that breathe new life into decades-old mysteries. Eglena Diaz de Leon's story not only delivers justice but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless unresolved cases, affirming that no case is ever truly cold when there is determination and faith in the pursuit of truth.
Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.