True Crime Obsessed – Episode 435: Murder Has Two Faces: Motherhood Interrupted

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Overview

In Episode 435 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "Murder Has Two Faces: Motherhood Interrupted," the hosts delve into the harrowing case of Evelyn Hernandez, a 24-year-old expectant mother who vanished along with her five-year-old son, Alex, from San Francisco. This episode juxtaposes Evelyn's case with the widely publicized disappearance of Laci Peterson, highlighting significant disparities in media coverage and investigative efforts due to race and socioeconomic status.

Introduction to the Case

Julian Benavalli opens the discussion by drawing parallels between the podcast’s new series title and Barbara Streisand's movie, emphasizing the dual narratives in true crime stories:

"The entire time I was watching this, I was thinking about Natalie Grillo. Because it's called Murder has Two Faces. And it made me think of the Barbra Streisand movie, the Mirror has Two Faces." (00:00)

Myra Escobar expresses enthusiasm for the series, underlining the importance of shedding light on lesser-known cases:

"I can not stop raving about it because it's about cases that happened during the same time as another famous case that we all know about." (01:50)

Evelyn Hernandez’s Background

Evelyn Hernandez immigrated to San Francisco from El Salvador, escaping violence in her home country. She formed a close bond with Myra Escobar, her best friend from high school who also immigrated, this time from Guatemala. Their shared experiences in the Mission district, a neighborhood fraught with challenges, set the stage for Evelyn's struggles and eventual disappearance.

Challenges Faced Due to Language Barriers

A critical aspect of Evelyn's case is the language barrier faced by her sister, Raina, who is deaf and communicates through American Sign Language (ASL). This double barrier—translating from Spanish to English to ASL—hindered effective communication with law enforcement, as highlighted by Professor Danielle, a criminology expert:

"There's no way that Raina was able to communicate clearly and effectively with the police." (15:27)

Raina shares her struggles:

"I was really shy at first and embarrassed. My sister Evelyn, she learned to sign for me. She learned to communicate in ASL and sign language." (10:21)

Comparison with Laci Peterson Case

The episode meticulously compares Evelyn Hernandez's disappearance to that of Laci Peterson, noting striking similarities:

• Both women were young, intelligent, and pregnant.
• Evelyn's case received minimal media attention despite being as distressing as Laci’s.

Leanne Melendez, a local ABC reporter, laments the lack of coverage for Evelyn’s case:

"As a Latina, I remember in the newsroom being outraged that the Evelyn Hernandez case had not received the kind of attention that it really deserved." (21:00)

In contrast, Laci Peterson's disappearance was extensively covered, saturating media outlets and keeping the case in the public eye, unlike Evelyn's.

Investigation and Suspect: Herman

The primary suspect in Evelyn's disappearance is Herman, Evelyn’s boyfriend and a limo driver. Several red flags emerge:

• Evelyn had withdrawn emotionally before her disappearance.
• Herman was married, adding complexity to his motives.
• Evelyn's wallet was found near Herman's workplace, suggesting a possible connection.

Myra Escobar discusses the suspicious circumstances surrounding the wallet's discovery:

"Absolutly messy marks suggestive of foul play, yet the case was quickly handed over to homicide without thorough investigation." (25:34)

Holly, an investigator, admits limitations in the initial response:

"There wasn't much information, and we quickly moved on." (21:00)

Media Representation and Racial Disparities

The podcast critically examines the concept of Missing White Woman Syndrome, where cases involving white women receive disproportionate media attention compared to women of color. This disparity not only affects public awareness but also impacts the resources allocated for investigations.

Amara, a podcaster, emphasizes the necessity for equal representation:

"Each one of us has a responsibility to be the voice for those people who are underserved." (42:41)

Ongoing Search and Unresolved Questions

Despite Evelyn’s remains being found in the San Francisco Bay, her five-year-old son, Alex, and her unborn child, Fernando, remain missing. The lack of closure intensifies the pain for the family and highlights systemic failures in addressing such cases.

Raina poignantly states:

"I'm saving his toys all waiting for him." (47:53)

Calls to Action and Community Involvement

The hosts urge listeners to take proactive steps in supporting the search for Evelyn and her children:

"If you have any information about Evelyn's case, please call 1-415-575-4444." (49:12)

They also stress the importance of diverse representation in media and law enforcement to ensure all communities receive equitable attention and support.

Conclusion

This episode underscores the grim reality of how race and language barriers can influence the visibility and resolution of true crime cases. Through heartfelt discussions and expert insights, True Crime Obsessed sheds light on Evelyn Hernandez’s tragic story, advocating for justice and greater media responsibility.

Notable Quotes

• Julian Benavalli (07:00): "It's so needed. Ronnie, thank you so much. We can't get over it."

• Myra Escobar (15:56): "I cannot stress enough what this series is doing to have Raina here as such a major storyteller."

• Holly (21:00): "We were not pushing police as we did with Laci Peterson."

• Raina (47:53): "Alex's and Evelyn's things that I've saved. I have his toys all waiting for him."

• Amara (42:41): "Each one of us has a responsibility to be the voice for those people who are underserved."

Resources and Further Listening

• Murder Has Two Faces Series on Hulu: "Motherhood Interrupted" – This episode is the first installment in the series focusing on Evelyn Hernandez's case.
• Book Club: Join the podcast’s book club via the Facebook group by filling out the featured Google form.
• Patreon: Support the podcast and gain access to bonus episodes, including monthly drag bingo hosted by the team.

Final Thoughts

"Murder Has Two Faces: Motherhood Interrupted" is a poignant exploration of a missing person case overshadowed by systemic biases. True Crime Obsessed not only recounts Evelyn Hernandez’s story but also challenges listeners to reflect on societal inequalities that dictate which voices are heard and which are silenced.

If you have any information regarding Evelyn Hernandez’s disappearance, please reach out to the San Francisco Police Department at 1-415-575-4444.

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