The mysterious disappearance of a young woman in Las Vegas sets off a frantic search by her devoted family. A gripping investigation reveals chilling evidence and reveals troubling behavior from suspects entwined in her life. As secrets unravel, a sinister confession and patterns of deceit come to light, casting doubt on those closest to her. The case highlights the complex dynamics of trust, betrayal, and the ongoing quest for justice in a heartbreaking story that demands public attention.
Lesly Palacio's disappearance highlights the urgent need for proper law enforcement response when a person is reported missing, particularly in cases involving suspicious circumstances.
The investigation revealed complex family dynamics and trust issues, ultimately pointing towards betrayal by someone close to Lesly, raising questions about safety in social situations.
Deep dives
The Night Out Turns Dangerous
Leslie Palacio, a 22-year-old living with her family, decided to go out for a night of fun with her friend Eric Ibarra despite her family's concerns. They visited various bars in Las Vegas, keeping in touch via text with her sister until an ominous message at 4:40 a.m. hinted something was wrong. After that, she went radio silent, leading her family to worry when she didn’t return home or respond to calls. The combination of nightlife, trust in Eric, and a late-night decision set the stage for a tragic turn of events.
Mysterious Disappearances
When Leslie was reported missing the next day, her family faced immediate frustration from law enforcement, who initially assumed she had run away with Eric. Despite not having any information on her whereabouts or her last known activities, her family began reaching out to friends and checking local establishments without success. It was later revealed that Eric's family was acting suspiciously after Leslie's disappearance, raising red flags for Leslie's family. As the search continued, police received a call from Eric's mother reporting that both he and his father were also missing, deepening the mystery.
Investigation and Surveillance Evidence
As Leslie's case evolved, police reviewed surveillance footage that traced Leslie and Eric's movements from the night they went out together. The footage confirmed they were last seen together leaving a bar early in the morning before Leslie’s final text message. Detectives managed to connect Eric's truck to surveillance cameras at various locations, culminating in evidence of him returning home with Leslie, leading to speculation about their last moments together. This evidence triggered a deeper investigation that soon focused on Eric's actions after the disappearance.
The Discovery of Leslie's Body
After extensive investigations, police found Leslie's body in a secluded area surrounded by evidence suggesting foul play, such as blood stains in Eric's residence. Eric’s, initially classified as a missing person, was later recognized as a potential murder suspect as significant evidence against him mounted. The circumstances of her death, suggested by the state of her body, drew attention to possible assault, and the police obtained arrest warrants for both Eric and his father, Jose. The case, now seen as a homicide, underscored the tragic loss and complicated dynamics between families who had known each other for years.
This episode was originally released in September 2024, exclusively in the Crime Junkie Fan Club, and is one of seventeen episodes from the archives we’ll be bringing you every Thursday, now through top of next year. And now you know why... we’re going on tour! Get your tickets now at crimejunkiepodcast.com! <3
When a Vegas woman doesn’t come home from a night out with a family friend, her close-knit family jumps into action to find her. But did someone they trusted betray them?
If you have any information about the murder of Lesly Palacio, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Section at 702-828-3521. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 702-385-5555, or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
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