Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed – Episode 432: The Journals of Maria Muñoz: 48 Hours (S37 E24)
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 432 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "The Journals of Maria Muñoz: 48 Hours," hosts Sarah and Mike delve into the tragic and mysterious case of Maria Muñoz. Through a meticulous recounting of events, interviews, and insights, they explore the complexities of Maria's life, her struggle with mental health, and the ultimate betrayal by her husband, Hoel Peyote.

Background: Maria Muñoz’s Struggles

Maria Muñoz was a dedicated mother battling severe depression and anxiety. Seeking solace, she reached out for help through both her church and medical professionals. Her personal journals revealed her deepest fears and desires, including:

• Fear of losing her family and husband
  Maria wrote, "My fears are losing my family, losing my husband, damaging my kids, making the wrong choice as the DA. My job was putting the right team together to work this case." ([01:37])

• Desire to be a good, present mother
  "I want to be a good mom. A mom that is present, engaged, and involved with my kids." ([02:22])

Maria's journals highlighted her determination to overcome her struggles for the sake of her children, Alejandro and Valentino.

Relationship Dynamics and Escalation

Maria met Hoel Peyote in Mexico, an 11-year-old nurse anesthetist. Their marriage initially appeared strong, with Maria being a beloved mother and partner. However, over time, cracks began to form:

• Hoel’s Changing Behavior
  "He was always bringing medical drugs into his house and using them recreationally." ([39:42])

• Affair with Janet
  In 2018, Hoel started an affair with Janet, a surgical nurse, further straining their marriage. Maria discovered plane tickets indicating Hoel's deceit:
  "She found the plane ticket. It's a nurse anesthetist convention." ([23:57])

The Night of the Tragedy

On the early morning of September 22, 2020, Laredo Police Officer Giorgio De La Cruz responded to a 911 call regarding Maria Muñoz's overdose. The following sequence unfolded:

1. Initial CPR Attempt
   Hoel, dressed in surgical scrubs, administered CPR to Maria, claiming she overdosed on clonazepam.
   "[03:35] Sarah: ...this guy is in surgical scrubs, and he's doing CPR."

2. Suspicious Actions
   Despite Hoel’s claim, no clonazepam was found at the scene. Officer De La Cruz noticed discrepancies:
   "If Maria was knocked out by the time he was out of the shower, she would have shown signs like water in the shower, used towels, etc." ([16:36])

3. Missing Pills and Additional Evidence
   The pill container Hoel presented was later found missing, and a syringe wrapper was discovered, suggesting the use of other drugs:
   "[37:22] Mike: So positive for morphine. Demerol, Verset, Propofol, Ketamine, Lidocaine, Narcan, Morphine."

Investigation and Unraveling the Truth

As the investigation progressed, several critical revelations emerged:

• Hoel’s Drug Use and Misdeeds
  Hoel admitted to using steroids, which can induce aggression, a factor that likely contributed to his violent behavior:
  "[11:41] Sarah: ...steroids and aggression go together 100%."

• Janet’s Testimony
  Janet, Hoel’s girlfriend, provided crucial evidence, admitting that Hoel frequently used and brought various drugs into her home:
  "[39:31] Mike: Hoel often brought drugs to Janet's house, including ketamine, morphine, lidocaine, fentanyl, and more." ([39:53])

• Maria’s Final Moments
  Before her death, Maria reached out for help, expressing her desire for peace regardless of her relationship’s outcome:
  "Maria wrote, 'I just want to work through this... I want to find peace and happiness.'" ([27:20])

The Trial

In March 2023, Hoel Peyote stood trial for the murder of Maria Muñoz. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence:

• Toxicology Report
  Maria had seven different drugs in her system, including an extremely high level of propofol, a drug that can only be administered intravenously:
  "Dr. John Hunsinger stated, 'This was death by propofol,'" ([39:17]) emphasizing the deliberate nature of the overdose.

• Prosecutors’ Argument
  Despite the absence of clonazepam, the combination of drugs found contradicted Hoel's initial claims:
  "[48:55] Mike: ...the amount of drugs alone proves this wasn't an accident."

• Defense’s Claim
  Hoel’s defense attempted to portray him as a concerned husband trying to save Maria, but inconsistencies and expert testimonies undermined their stance:
  "[48:28] Sarah: Narcan is not a reversal agent for Propofol."

The jury swiftly convicted Hoel of murder and tampering with evidence, resulting in a life sentence.

Conclusion: Legacy of Maria Muñoz

Maria Muñoz's tragic story underscores the devastating impact of domestic abuse and betrayal. Her journals served as a poignant testament to her strength and enduring love for her children. The episode concludes with Sarah and Mike reflecting on Maria's legacy:

• "She was trying so hard, probably mostly for her kids." ([27:34])

• "Taking two parents away and replacing them with a lifetime of trauma. It's so monstrous." ([49:44])

Maria's pursuit of happiness and stability was brutally cut short by Hoel's actions, leaving a lasting scar on her family and community.

Notable Quotes

• "My fears are losing my family, losing my husband, damaging my kids, making the wrong choice as the DA." – Maria Muñoz ([01:41])

• "I want to be a good mom. A mom that is present, engaged, and involved with my kids." – Maria Muñoz ([02:22])

• "This was death by propofol." – Dr. John Hunsinger ([39:17])

• "You can't lie. You can't fake science." – Prosecutors ([50:21])

Final Thoughts

"The Journals of Maria Muñoz: 48 Hours" is a heartrending exploration of love, betrayal, and the quest for peace amidst turmoil. Sarah and Mike skillfully navigate the intricate details of the case, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to Maria's untimely death. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of true crime stories on our collective consciousness.

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