Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder
- Episode: #592 - Murder Texts Are Forever - Clifton, Arizona
- Release Date: May 2, 2025
- Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Introduction
In episode #592 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Wisman delve into a harrowing true crime case from Clifton, Arizona. This episode, titled "Murder Texts Are Forever," explores the intricate details surrounding the murder of Matthew Gerald Mizzner, the ensuing investigation, and the courtroom drama that followed. Balancing thorough research with their signature comedic touch, James and Jimmy guide listeners through the dark corridors of small-town secrets.
Background: Matthew and Georgina
Matthew Gerald Mizzner, born in August 1984, hailed from a loving family in Tucson, Arizona. Raised in Pima County, he attended Pima Community College with aspirations of wrestling, reflecting his athletic background from high school. Matthew married Georgina Melissa Mendoza in 2013. Georgina, born in October 1986, had a tumultuous upbringing marked by an abusive father and a challenging childhood, which starkly contrasted with Matthew's stable family environment.
The couple quickly expanded their family, welcoming their first child prematurely in late 2013, followed by a second child less than a year and a half later. The stress of raising two young children, combined with Matthew's demanding job at the Morenci copper mine, strained their marriage. By 2017, the couple had divorced, leading Georgina to move back to Tucson with their children.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [21:34]: "So he ended up applying for work at the copper mine, which is about three hours away from Tucson. They leave everybody and all that shit and move out in this area. They moved to Safford, which is about 40 minutes from the mines."
The Unraveling: Custody Battles and Tensions
Post-divorce, Matthew sought full custody of their children amid a contentious relationship with Georgina. The custody dispute intensified when Georgina falsely claimed to have cancer in late 2019, manipulating the situation to limit Matthew's visitation rights. During this period, Matthew began a relationship with Nicole Chacon, a fellow mine worker, further complicating the already strained relations.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [20:15]: "Exactly. And things that start when someone's 17 years old and go on to 21, like, that's, you know, you think of that as. Yeah, people make mistakes."
The Murder: February 12, 2020
On February 10, 2020, a local fire chief discovered the body of Matthew Mizzner in a black Chevy Tahoe parked along US 191 near Safford, Arizona. The vehicle was riddled with 14 bullet holes, including three in the victim's face, indicating a targeted attack. Forensic analysis confirmed that Matthew died from three gunshot wounds to the head inflicted by a 9mm pistol.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [35:37]: "In his face. Not his face. That's from the Colorado episode we did a few weeks back with the postal worker who killed her postal worker ex. That was wild."
Investigation: Linking Eduardo Montano and Georgina Mendoza
Initial suspect lines pointed towards road rage incidents common in Arizona. However, the number of bullets suggested a more calculated act. Attention turned to Eduardo Montano Jr., a former acquaintance of Georgina. Eduardo had previously dated Georgina briefly and had exhibited suspicious behavior, including taking photos of Matthew's car—a detail that became crucial.
Text messages revealed a conspiracy between Eduardo and Georgina to murder Matthew. Georgina had manipulated Eduardo by exploiting his own traumatic past, convincing him to carry out the deadly act to facilitate her custody claims.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [63:01]: "They found also that based on the data that Eduardo was in the area of Matthew's residence that morning. At 4am, the morning of the murder, it appeared through text messages that he'd been stalking Matthew."
Arrest and Trial
Eduardo Montano was swiftly arrested within 48 hours of the murder, charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. Georgina Mendoza faced similar charges, pleading guilty to her involvement but maintaining her innocence regarding the actual execution of the crime.
During sentencing, family members of Matthew expressed profound grief and hatred towards Eduardo, vowing justice for their lost loved one. Despite Georgina's attempts to mitigate her sentence by citing mental health issues and a troubled past, the court deemed her manipulative and a danger to society, resulting in a 33-year sentence.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [70:20]: "They talk about how, you know, we try hard as we try to find the answers to this senseless murder."
Conclusion
Episode #592 of Small Town Murder presents a chilling narrative of betrayal, manipulation, and tragedy within the secluded community of Clifton, Arizona. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, James and Jimmy shed light on the complexities of small-town dynamics and the dark paths they can lead to. The episode underscores the profound impact of personal trauma and the lengths individuals may go to protect their interests, leaving listeners with a somber reflection on the fragility of relationships and the consequences of deceit.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [76:38]: "She needs a kick in her ass is what she needs. Fuck therapy."
Key Takeaways:
- The interplay of personal struggles and strained relationships can escalate to tragic outcomes.
- False narratives, such as Georgina's fabricated cancer, can manipulate legal proceedings and custody battles.
- Swift and thorough investigations are crucial in unraveling complex criminal conspiracies.
For Listeners: If you found this episode compelling, consider subscribing to Small Town Murder for more in-depth explorations of true crime cases, narrated with insight and humor by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Wisman.