Maria Flores – An Escape Denied, A Family Devastated

In the early morning hours of June 1st, 2013, silence on Cotton Street in East Las Vegas was shattered by screams and gunshots. Terrified, Manuel Mata's daughter hid in her closet and called her grandfather. The scene he encountered upon arrival would forever change their lives.

Maria Flores, a 43-year-old mother of five, had courageously planned an escape from an increasingly dangerous relationship with her boyfriend, 38-year-old Manuel Mata III. Their relationship had grown volatile, and Maria knew she needed to protect herself and her daughters.

Her attempt to flee came to a tragic halt when Mata unexpectedly returned home. The violent events that unfolded that morning resulted in devastating losses for the family and left survivors grappling with unimaginable trauma.

As investigators pieced together what happened, disturbing details emerged about the relationship, Mata’s behavior, and Nevada’s alarming rates of domestic and gun violence during those difficult years following the Great Recession.

Listen to Episode #77 of Sins and Survivors at sinspod.co/77 to hear the full, heartbreaking story and learn more about its profound implications.

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Remember, what happens here happens everywhere. If you or someone you know is in danger, please seek help immediately. Resources are available in our show notes.