Into The Dark: Episode 121 - The Baby Snatcher
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Peyton Moreland
Produced by: OH NO MEDIA
Introduction
In Episode 121 of Into The Dark, hosted by Peyton Moreland, listeners are taken on a harrowing journey into the disturbing case of Laura Abarca, a devoted mother whose life was tragically cut short. This episode delves deep into the complexities of human behavior, jealousy, and the lengths to which one individual went to fulfill a desperate desire.
Laura Abarca: A Life Cut Short
Laura Abarca was a first-generation immigrant residing in Wichita, Kansas. Despite holding multiple low-paying jobs from the age of 16, Laura maintained a warm and approachable demeanor, earning her the trust and love of her family and neighbors. In early 2016, Laura and her boyfriend, Manuel Gonzalez, welcomed their newborn daughter, Sophia, into the world. The couple was elated, envisioning a bright future for their growing family.
A Desperate Desire
However, beneath the surface, Laura's friend Yesenia Sesmas harbored a deep-seated yearning for motherhood. Around the same time, Yesenia experienced a devastating miscarriage, which left her emotionally shattered. This loss ignited an obsession within her to have a child of her own. As Laura shared her joys of motherhood with Yesenia, the seeds of jealousy began to grow.
"Yesenia was so desperate for a daughter and so heartbroken from her own miscarriage that she had managed to convince herself that Laura was going to give up Sophia."
— Peyton Moreland [16:35]
The First Attempt: A Narrow Escape
Prior to the tragic events surrounding Laura's death, Yesenia had already made an unsettling move. On July 25, 2016, Yesenia attempted to kidnap Sophia from her friend Adriana Portillo. The encounter was terrifying; Yesenia demanded $10,000 in ransom while holding Adriana and her children hostage. Fortunately, Adriana's quick thinking and her daughter's brave call to 911 thwarted Yesenia's plans, leading to her arrest.
The Murder of Laura Abarca
Just days after the failed kidnapping, tragedy struck on November 16, 2016. Manuel returned home to discover Laura dead, a gunshot wound to her forehead, and Sophia missing. The crime scene was eerily clean, with no signs of struggle or forced entry, leading investigators to believe that Laura had known her attacker.
Unraveling the Truth
Through diligent police work, it was uncovered that Yesenia had been in constant communication with Laura, especially concerning Sophia's birth. Digital records revealed Yesenia's obsessive interactions and her fabricated stories about adopting Sophia. Yesenia's motive became clear: her inability to cope with her miscarriage and her desperate longing for a child.
Peyton Moreland highlights, "Without knowing the full extent of Yesenia's desperation, it's chilling to see how her actions spiraled out of control."
— Peyton Moreland [25:50]
The Arrest and Trial
Yesenia was apprehended on November 19, 2016, after a coordinated effort by Wichita police and FBI agents. During her trial in 2018, Yesenia pleaded not guilty, claiming that Laura's death was an accidental discharge of her firearm during a failed attempt to scare Laura into handing over Sophia. However, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence contradicting her claims, including testimonies from Laura's mother and digital communications.
Verdict and Aftermath
The jury found Yesenia guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated interference with parental custody. She was sentenced to 55 years in prison, ensuring that Sophia would be returned safely to her father, Manuel, and her grandmother, Guadalupe. The case left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the dark depths of human despair and obsession.
"It's both tragic and ironic that Laura expected to raise Sophia and watch her grow up, but instead, she lost everything because of one woman's jealousy."
— Peyton Moreland [28:04]
Conclusion
"The Baby Snatcher" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life and the unforeseen consequences of unchecked emotions. Peyton Moreland masterfully navigates the intricate layers of this true crime story, offering listeners not just a recounting of events but also a reflection on the "age-old question, 'Why do people do what they do?'"
Notable Quotes
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"Everyone who's alive today was born and then everybody dies. There is no escape from that."
— Peyton Moreland [02:27] -
"Yesenia didn't take the news well. She was so desperate for a baby that the thought of losing Sophia pushed her over the edge."
— Peyton Moreland [25:00] -
"The police believe that Laura let Yesenia in, and then, while Laura's guard was down, her friend walked up to her and shot her before she even had a chance to react."
— Peyton Moreland [26:40]
Final Thoughts
Into The Dark continues to shed light on the most perplexing and tragic true crime stories, inviting listeners to explore the shadows that lie within human nature. Episode 121 not only narrates a heartbreaking loss but also invites introspection into the motivations and emotions that drive individuals to commit unthinkable acts.