Ep 22. Mia Zapata

In season 12, episode 22 of Forensic Files titled "Mia Zapata," viewers are thrust into the tragic story of punk rock singer Mia Zapata. Zapata—often described as the lead singer and intellectual center of the band the Gits—was brutally raped and murdered in the early morning hours of July 7, 1993, in Seattle's Central District. She was just 27 years old and had a promising career ahead of her, making her sudden death all the more shocking.

In the episode, viewers are first introduced to Mia Zapata and her band, which was formed in Ohio before moving to Seattle's punk rock scene in the early 1990s. The Gits quickly gained a cult following thanks to Zapata's powerful vocals and the group's energetic live performances. However, on the night of July 6, 1993, Mia Zapata disappeared after celebrating her birthday at a local bar with friends. She was last seen walking by herself down the street at around 2:00 a.m.

It wasn't until several hours later that Zapata's body was discovered by a passerby in the city's Central District. She had been brutally beaten, strangled, and raped. Seattle police immediately launched an investigation into her death, but the case proved challenging from the outset. There were no witnesses to the crime, no clear suspects, and little physical evidence to work with.

The episode also introduces viewers to the Gits' tight-knit group of friends and family members, who refused to let Mia Zapata's death go unsolved. They began a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the case and gather any information that might lead to an arrest. The Gits even went on tour with posters featuring Zapata's image and the message "Who Killed Mia?" in the hopes that someone would come forward with information.

Despite their best efforts, the case went cold for several years. However, in 2003, the Seattle police department received a new lead in the case. DNA evidence found on Zapata's body had finally yielded a match, leading police to arrest Florida native Jesus Mezquia, Jr. for her murder. Mezquia, who was 48 years old at the time of his arrest, had no apparent connection to Zapata or the Seattle punk scene.

The episode delves into the painstaking work done by investigators to build a case against Mezquia, who was charged with first-degree murder in Zapata's death. Through interviews with detectives, prosecutors, and forensic experts, viewers learn about the process of analyzing DNA evidence and how it played a crucial role in solving the case. The episode also explores the legal challenges that arose during Mezquia's trial, including the defense's attempts to discredit the DNA evidence and the emotional testimony of Mia Zapata's friends and family.

Ultimately, Jesus Mezquia, Jr. was found guilty of Mia Zapata's murder and sentenced to 36 years in prison. While the Gits never achieved the mainstream success that they may have if Mia Zapata had lived, her legacy as a trailblazing female musician and beloved member of the Seattle punk scene continues to inspire new generations of fans. "Mia Zapata" is both a moving tribute to her life and a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence.