Ep 3. Sandra Barajas

Sandra Barajas was a devoted wife, mother, and businesswoman in the small town of Yakima, Washington. She and her husband, Gilberto, ran a thriving landscaping company and were well-respected members of the community. But behind closed doors, their marriage was anything but normal.

In Snapped season 21 episode 3, viewers are taken on a journey through Sandra Barajas' life and marriage leading up to her shocking arrest for murder. Interviews with friends, family members, and law enforcement officials provide insight into the couple's troubled relationship and the factors that may have led Sandra to commit such a heinous act.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Sandra and Gilberto's marriage was fraught with infidelity, financial troubles, and domestic violence. Sandra had filed restraining orders against her husband on multiple occasions, and friends describe her as fearful for her safety.

Despite these struggles, Sandra appeared to be holding it together on the outside. She was still running the business with her husband and raising their three children. But on the night of January 28th, 2017, everything changed.

Police responded to a 911 call from Sandra, reporting that she had shot her husband in self-defense during a violent altercation. But as detectives dug deeper, they uncovered evidence that suggested otherwise. The couple's finances were in disarray, and Sandra had taken out several life insurance policies on her husband. She also had a history of lying and manipulation, which cast doubt on her claim of self-defense.

In court, the prosecution painted Sandra as a cold-blooded killer who had planned her husband's murder in order to cash in on the insurance money. But Sandra maintained her innocence, testifying that she only shot Gilberto after he attacked her with a knife.

Through interviews with Sandra's family and friends, viewers are given a glimpse into the woman behind the headlines. Her sister describes her as a loving mother who was always there for her children, even when she was struggling to keep herself together. But others paint a darker picture, alleging that Sandra was manipulative and had a history of playing the victim.

Ultimately, it is up to the jury to decide whether Sandra Barajas acted in self-defense or committed a premeditated murder. The episode leaves viewers questioning the true motive behind the crime and the complexities of domestic violence and abuse.