The Real Story with Maria Elena Salinas Season 1 Episode 5 Lost Girls Of The Mesa

The Real Story with Maria Elena Salinas season 1 episode 5 explores the case of the Lost Girls of the Mesa, four women from New Mexico who disappeared within a year of each other in the late 2000s. The episode follows the investigation into their disappearances, which led police to a suspect named Lorenzo Montoya. Montoya, who had been previously convicted of raping and assaulting a woman, was found with the women's bodies on his property in 2009.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, family members of the victims, and experts on violence against women, the episode delves into the systemic issues that allowed Montoya to prey on vulnerable women with impunity. Viewers learn about the social and economic conditions in the area that left many women without resources or support, as well as the way that Montoya's criminal history was overlooked and minimized by law enforcement.

At the heart of the episode are the stories of the four young women who lost their lives: Doreen Marquez, Veronica Romero, Julie Nieto, and Michelle Valdez. Through interviews with their families and friends, viewers come to understand the impact their disappearances had on their loved ones and the community as a whole. The episode also examines the ways in which the women's identities and experiences as people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community were both erased and weaponized against them in the media and in law enforcement's handling of the case.

Overall, Lost Girls of the Mesa is a moving and powerful look into a case that highlights the ongoing epidemic of violence against women and the need for systemic change. It is a tribute to the lives of the four women who were lost, and a call to action for viewers to work towards a more just and equitable society.