Family Raises Concerns About Her Vanishing #truecrimeinvestigation #truecrimeshorts #crimejunkies | Forensic Files

Why would she walk away from all of that? That's the question that hangs in the air as family members who had gotten
word about her being missing start arriving. Like Melissa's parents and her brother, her sister Trudy, and Trudy's
daughter Jasmine. Melissa's parents, Jose and Joanne Mondragon, live nearby. Although they had been in Albuquerque
visiting Trudy that day. But once they heard what was going on from Sierra, they were in the car. And these are
long-time Crime Junkie listeners. So even in shock, they said that they felt like they were prepared and knew what to
do. They worked the phones during the 2 and 1/2 hour drive to Taos, calling relatives and hospitals hoping that
Melissa would be home safe by the time that they got there. Instead, they pulled up to a property bathed in police
lights. And they were told to wait outside away from Mark and Sierra. Now, they don't believe for a second that
Melissa left on her own. Something bad must have happened. And they already have someone in mind. Diego Martinez,
who is Sierra's ex-boyfriend. Now, Diego had been behind the wheel in the crash that killed Sierra's best friend. He
suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash, and according to the family, his
behavior became frightening. In 2024, Sierra took out a restraining order against him citing physical abuse,
break-ins, stolen keys, and threats against her and loved ones, including specific threats against Melissa. Diego
had also sent Melissa sexually explicit text messages. And did Mark and Sierra bring him up at any point, too? Not that
I know of.

As Melissa Casias’s family gathered after her disappearance, they questioned the idea that she left voluntarily. Instead, some believed she may have been the victim of foul play.

They pointed to concerns about Sierra’s ex-boyfriend, who had a history of alleged threats, reported abuse, and a restraining order filed against him in 2024. According to family members, those concerns included past behavior directed toward both Sierra and Melissa.

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Brief Summary

Melissa Mondragon goes missing, family suspects ex-boyfriend Diego Martinez due to past threats and troubling behavior.

Key points

Family's Arrival. Melissa's family rushes to the scene, fearing the worst after hearing she is missing.
Suspicion on Diego Martinez. Melissa's family suspects Diego, Sierra's ex-boyfriend, may be involved in her disappearance.
Restraining Order Details. Sierra had taken out a restraining order against Diego for threats and abuse.

Episode highlights

Episode quotes

They don't believe for a second that Melissa left on her own.

0:49WatchMay 2, 2026

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