Juana Barraza

In the heart of Mexico City, fear had a name: La Dama del Silencio. From 1998 to 2006, Juana Barraza lived a double life—professional wrestler by day, merciless predator by night. Known to the public as a colorful lucha libre fighter, she hid a darkness that targeted the most vulnerable members of society: elderly women living alone. Posing as a caregiver, she gained their trust before striking with chilling precision, leaving behind a trail of grief, unanswered questions, and broken families. Juana Barraza: True Crime Serial Killers goes beyond the headlines of the "Mataviejitas" murders to expose the failures, fears, and fractured community that allowed a serial killer to thrive in the shadows. Drawing on police records, court documents, and firsthand testimony, author Johann Bachmann delivers a gripping narrative of one of Latin America's most disturbing true crime cases. Inside you'll discover: How Barraza's tragic childhood shaped her path toward violence The shocking methods she used to manipulate and overpower her victims The relentless investigation led by Detective Luis Ramírez The anguish of survivors and families who turned pain into action The societal blind spots that let her hunt unchecked for nearly a decade More than a biography of a killer, this book is a haunting portrait of a city at war with its own vulnerabilities. It is a chilling reminder that evil can wear a mask of kindness, and that silence often hides the loudest screams. For fans of true crime, criminology, and Latin American history, this is an unflinching exploration of trust betrayed, justice pursued, and the terrifying legacy of Mexico's most infamous female serial killer.