Case 77
Mia Zapata
The evening of July 6, 1993, was a typical one for Mia Zapata. The 27-year-old was a staple of Seattle’s music scene, having fronted punk rock band The Gits since the group’s inception in Ohio in 1986. She spent the night at a live music venue, The Comet Tavern, before visiting a friend at their apartment.
Mia never made it home. In the early morning hours, her beaten and strangled body was found near an intersection in Seattle’s Central District. Her killer left behind a crucial clue in the form of a bite mark, but would it be enough for police to identify the assailant and make a quick arrest?
CREDITS
EPISODE:
Research & writing – Anna Priestland
Narration – Anonymous Host
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro – www.dl-sounds.com
Audio production – Mike Migas
Scoring – Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo and website design – Paulina Szymanska
Opening poem titled; ‘Slaughter of Bruce’, written by Mia Zapata
Closing song titled; “Bob – Cousin O” performed by The Gits, written by Mia K Zapata, Matthew F Dresdner, Andrew L Kessler and John Stephen Moriarty © Fishheadhotdogburrito Music, licensed courtesy of Rogue Octopus
RESOURCES
COURT INFO:
STATE of Washington, Respondent, v. Jesus C. MEZQUIA, Appellant
ARTICLES:
Singer’s killer sentenced to 36 years in prison again – The Seattle Times
Finally, DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest of Mia Zapata’s Suspected Murderer – The Stranger
Mia Zapata’s Killer Convicted – The Rolling Stone
Who Murdered Mia Zapata? – No Arrests, Few Clues 5 Years After Slaying – The Seattle Times
Ten years on, trial begins for man accused of punk icon’s murder – CNN
VIDEO:
Forensic Files Season 12, Ep 7: The Day the Music Died
Mia Zapata, “The Death of a Rising Star”: Crime Documentary
Interview with The Seven Year Bitch