Hey Simon, I know these stories are hard for you, but I wanted to let you know that they are actually helpful to me. I was trafficked, and have had some awful things happen to me. Your compassion for the victims and outrage at the perpetrators helps me believe that there are people out there that don't just want to hurt me. That there might be some good people. Thank you.
There are such people and I hope that, wherever you are, you find your way to a place where those people surround you and keep you safe from low, morally bankrupt, monsters like the ones who took your freedom. They are prisoners themselves. The tears on my cheeks are for you.
Hearing stories like this just makes me realize that we'll never completely get rid of corruption because there's just too much corrupt people in power and that hurts.
“The most horrible and depressing crimes ever told on camera” immediately followed by “cheery music and an app that sells you groceries” gave me whiplash
The UA-cam “adpocalypse” happened exactly for this reason, because they don’t want ads to appear alongside uncomfortable videos. I would actually applaud Hello Fresh for being okay with sponsoring this channel.
Simon, the thing I get out of these stories is your humanity. Your reactions prove there are good people, people who find this stuff appalling, who can’t believe this stuff can happen. And maybe it raises awareness that it did and still does happen. I too took some comfort in the dropped cement and the rats. You are genuine proof that there are good people in the world - like the cops that believed and did something. ❤ you are a good man.
After 40 years of working in law enforcement and security people still wonder why I do not really like people. I have been watching your videos for awhile. The change in your attitude towards the death penalty is illuminating. Because you are right. Some people do not need to live by their own actions. You Sir are a moral Man. Never lose it. Peace and health to you and your family. D
Well said! Police more often than not, are the sources of salvation for victims who had to endure such Barbaric treatment! Sadly its mostly us men who are it's cause 😒
Your right, honestly I don't like the death penalty but on occasions I do, it's a strange position to have where your moral thinking becomes revenge thinking
I saw a lot of shit during my almost six years working missing child cases, but nothing ever got me like the ones we linked to sex trafficking. This was horrific to hear, and it’s indescribable to witness it firsthand, but I appreciate you guys telling the hard stories, because each and every victim, then and now, deserves to have their voices heard.
One reason this is my favorite true crime podcast thing to listen or watch to is because having watched years of Buisness/Brain blaze this made me see Simon as so much more than the guy with the great voice that would throw the script around and make me laugh. When I started watching this channel at launch I knew within 2 episodes I knew Simon was a real legend 🙌 both of us nervous wrecks over these real life horrors
I much prefer him and his visible horror at what he reads to people who do similar but have no reaction. Also when he goes off on tangents it’s like the point where I also need to do that and not focus on just the pain and suffering.
I think that calling human traffickers ''subhuman'' is nothing but accurate. What a loss would it be if they were put on death row until an actual human needs an organ transplant.
I think there's a lot of people out there, myself included, who would rather die than know their body is a vessel for one of those monsters' hearts to beat even one more time.
So... I'm Jewish... and German. And calling people of any kind "Subhuman" is the most disgusting thing in existence. Don't get me wrong, do what you want, I'm not offended, just disgusted. You are literally doing what those traffickers do to their victims. Dehumanize them. So you can have a clean conscious while doing cruel things.
@@gandalf_thegrey that's... Really weird thing to say, why are you conparing yourself to literal murderers who have tortured, brutalized, and done all sorts of horrible unspeakable things youtube wont let me say? You should not and should never conpare yourself to such disgusting things that takes away hundrends of others freedoms and chances at life
Like I said for that video about the Korean cannibals, kudos to Simon for not giving a damn about their sob story. A bad upbringing does *not* magically entitle you to commit heinous crimes.
Completely agree. The whole “hurt people hurt other people” idea is a little bit enabling, in my opinion. Unless you’re going after the actual people who deliberately hurt you, nobody should suffer because someone else is. It’s childish, entitled, and selfish.
@@HavianEla Yeah. If Ed Kemper had *just* killed his mother in a fit of rage or vengeance rather than killing a bunch of college girls just to work up the nerve first, I'd have pitied him.
Hey Simon. This story made me believe that not every single person believes that trafficking others is a good idea. I was trafficked in my teenage years so this story makes me feel heard. Which before I thought that I was the only one who heard my cries. Thank you for covering this case Simon. It means a lot to me.
Hearing you worry about checking some of the psychopath boxes in the Ed Kemper episode, I just want to remind you of your reaction to stories like this, don't worry Simon, you have plenty of empathy, we can all hear the anguish in your voice.
I have never said SAME PAGE to *both* David and Simon in an episode before. Fantastic script, David! This is a brutal one, but I appreciate that you are shining a light on it. My sister was almost trafficked, I was able to stop her from going in time. It just takes one mistake... And Simon, I appreciate you calling that place out for what it was.
That's heart-wrenching, @Mara, more so when I wonder if you're the Mara that is such a good friend to my sister, whose sister was such a good friend to me. Whether that's you or not, I'm grateful that you stopped an atrocity from happening!
Hard to say I liked this one, but my dad's family fled Guadalajara for Canada when he was a baby, and he never really was able to pass on much of our Mexican heritage. All I heard as a child was that it was no place to be or have a family so his Mom and Dad fled, giving him a better life. The more I learn about Mexico the more I agree. The past; as Simon says, was the worst!
Sad part is that this is still happening all around the world. I’m thankful these people were brought to justice but I sure wish that more could be done with the others that are still at work doing this same thing. Great work Simon as always! And the writers as well. Take care y’all.
Thank you Simon for delivering yet another horrible inhumane crime with much of your compassion and humanity shining through for the victims, and frustration at the horrible murderers from your asides.
I've just subscribed because just when you think you have enough tc channels, something really good pops up. That is what your channel did for me. To make make someone smile during an horrific story is true talent. Thank you. 😊
When i hear about trafficking victims in these dirty, horrible places, barely fed, emaciated, covered in filth, high out of their minds and skeletal thin, i always think (to put it very bluntly): there really are men out there who view women as nothing more than a hole. For them to see someone in that condition and living in those conditions and think 'yes, sex' is actually disgusting. I could maybe understand if people knew a person lived like this and it was all due to say just drug use, and they ignored them because they live in a place where 'your business is your business' but for people to see someone like that and want to have sex with them is skin crawlingly evil in my mind.
This is by far one of the “worst” one of these yet. What a horrible thing to happen. Thanks for powering through these, Simon. Everyone can tell how much it bothers you.
If you get a chance, please take a look at the disappearance of Audrey May Herron. She was a nurse in upstate NY that went missing without a trace in 2002, even her Jeep was never found. Her daughter continues to try and keep her mother’s case in people’s minds and had gone above and beyond. Maybe getting some new light may help to identify new leads.
I’m really happy to see so many comments in support of Simon, which echo my own sentiments. I had NO idea of the scope of sex trafficking and had never heard a story that made the emotional impact that this has. Also never wished I could be part of a violent angry mob before. Thank you for shining a light on a difficult topic.
Thanks for the vid, Simon! I spent a bit of my life in San Juan de los Lagos and have never heard of the case. I'll have to ask my family about it. I know this was a difficult case for you to cover but it's important for us to learn about it. Three things: 1. We love our nicknames! 😂 Mine are chaparra (short one) and gordis (chubby one). The last one was given to me by my late father. Anyone else calls me that and I'll stab them. 2. If you are interested, the case of Marisela Escobedo is another sad one and perfectly encapsulates judicial corruption in Mexico. 3. Thank you for not basing your knowledge of Mexico on films like Sicario. It's much appreciated. x
In Texas we have public service announcements all day and night telling us if you see something, say something. That's what they say just before they say Human Traffking: It's closer than you think.
I really appreciate that the stories shared aren't always English speaking Western countries. Bad shit happens everywhere and the horrors deserve as much light shined on them as Gacy and Dahmer get. Especially the victims. They deserve to be heard and learned about. These poor women.
Simon, I really hope you have professional supervision and debriefing. You're a decent person and this can't be good for you. This one did me in. I need a break from true crime. Please look after yourself.
What comes out of a video like this is more people around the world know what a brave woman Catalina and the other girls captive in the brothel were and what heroes they are for speaking out and the countless lives they saved as well as their own. They are so strong, and went through so much, but they kept going so that more would not be taken and hurt.
As soon as I heard Lagos de Moreno and Leon I got chills. My mom is from a tiny town not too far away. Like, I can’t fathom the thought that women my mom and grandma knew might have been trafficked.
And my supposedly "educated" and "worldly" college associates couldn't figure out why the Mexican international students just laughed when they called US police evil and corrupt.
The only positive thing I have to say is that I truly appreciate the hard work Simon, David, Jen and Jose put into creating this video in order to educate us about this monstrous family and their horrific crimes. I've never heard of them before today. It was difficult and depressing to listen to, so it must have been even more difficult for y'all to create. Thank your for enduring it on our behalf. 💔
The “Nuremberg Defense” (just following orders) was pretty effective. It did not work for senior officers, but the bulk of the Nazis and the Wehrmacht had the defense applied to them and were either let out of prison or just left alone and allowed to rejoin society. Because the defense was used at the Trial of Major War Criminals, thus highly covered by the press, it became largely misunderstood by the general public to mean the defense was invalidated everywhere. Which was not the case. For the most part, it’s still a valid defense that is warranted full attention by most courts. With the hugely notable exception of Germany where soldiers are allowed to refuse orders which jeopardize the dignity of the soldier or the subject of the orders. Although western militaries have public policies that give the soldiers a degree of latitude in refusing illegal, amoral, or anti-ethical orders, there is a good reason villages and civilian neighborhoods still get mown down. There are major repercussions to defying orders, regardless of their intent. Very, very few speak up. The few who have saw their careers and lives ruined. That doesn’t include the conspiratorial friendly fire deaths. Many of which have been posited as punishment for disobeying. Sorry for the long comment. But I thought it was important to point out that just following orders has successfully been used millions of times. It’s not an instantly invalid defense.
It’s not often that a true crime story makes me cry as hard as this one did because it’s heartbreaking how these young girls and women were viewed as nothing more than sex dolls. And it’s worth saying that all the customers they had were the ones who made this possible. Hundreds of girls and therefore, hundreds of customers that payed them to keep going. I hate this so much. There’s litterally no better words I just feel HATE in my whole body for these people.
I happen to be the exact same height as Catalina, 5' 2''. I also have a 20+ year history of anorexia (10 year anniversary in summer of this year being symptom free). At my lowest, I weight in at 42 kg (92,6 lb). I know the state your body's in at that point. I know the state your brain's cognitive function's are in at that point. Catalina, at 5' 2'', weighting in at 36 kg (79 lb), all I can say is: It's down right an almost miraculous testament to her inner strength and unyielding will to live, and the belief in her right to a better - a good, and free - life, that she managed to escape under the conditions she was forced into by men and women who can not be described any other way than truly the embodiment of evil. And, for myself as well as others, I choose to believe that that strength is somewhere - deep inside - in all of us. Whether we know it or not. As long as we can find that one, single, motivator. Whatever it may be. I paused the episode to make this comment, so I'm yet to find out what happened to Catalina in the end, but I hope - even though I've no trust what so ever in platitudes as "goodness will prevail", because I - as most of you - know that is far - *_far!_* - from the case of reality. But I hope - I still hope - she'll make it through to the other side. Because she deserves it. She deserves to be the winner that lives inside of her. Stay Safe, Stay Sane, and Take Care. Cheers!
Good on'ye for overcoming your condition these last 10 years! We all face challenges, some worse than others, though all are worth noticing and celebrating. Be well!
Good on you for coming through that and the ten years symptom free. That is a major accomplishment. I had an ED for years. People may not really be aware of what that level of starvation does to someone cognitively or their ability to make decisions. Even without adding in the horror these girls were going through. Amazing will to live.
Thanks for reading this as a survivor of birth trauma ob abuse and force even sexual harassment I appreciate hearing others stories it helps trafficking victims or medical victims which is extremely similar to trafficking feel less alone
Simon- I know these reads are difficult for you, but I SO appreciate your compassion when presenting. I can’t really watch other presenters anymore because they are just sensationalizing the content. You never do. I appreciate the content you and your team put out. Thank you for what you do.
15:50 Yah, I agree Simon. Some people can be rehabilitated, but people that monstrous; best we just get rid of them. There is no fixing anything that broken and ugly to it's core.
This stuff is so hard. I study the trans-Atlantic slave trade professionally and your pain as you internalize the horrors these girls faced and the too often minimal punishments their abusers were given is something I so, so so empathize with. Knowing how vile humans can be is pretty stark. One thing a wiser man than me once told me when I was doing my doctoral work studying this: "Take your outrage and horror and make it fuel to do the work of telling these stories to the world." You are doing that, you and your team, so a gigantic kudos. If your team ever wants to turn to the same ugliness, look up Thomas Thistlewood, a Jamaican slave plantation owner who kept a detailed diary. It's harrowing. I won't wish it on Simon though! Thank you for doing such a powerful job here.
My favorite thing about Simon is how relatable he is. Like when he's horrified by what he's reading, he's echoing my emotions and thoughts exactly. And I love his tangents because they kind of give me an emotional break in between the gory details. I also love that he's too soft hearted to read some of it. He's such a beautiful dad.
That was a hard listen that...not the format or the writing but that story was horrific. Let's remember the victims and those who are still in this situation.
We came up seriously poor. Mama worked hard, long hours to feed and clothe us. She made sure we were welll educated, taught strong morals, well loved, and given loving discipline. Being poor doesn't mean you have to be low and mean. Where I grew up being poor was pretty common. Being a criminal wasn't. We grew up to be good people, to take care of Mama. That's the way these stories should end.
Simon, I know this is hard, but I want to thank you for tackling hard stories like this. --- Heroes and famous people have stories, these girl's stories are important to know too.
Whenever an episode of CC makes me sad for the human race, I always imagine the theme song being played by Danny sitting in a smokey bar, hunched over a piano, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth and a lager at the ready. And Kevin besides him on bass with some sunglasses.
...all gathered 'round the fire in Simon's basement with Jen and all his other legendary writers. That's a cheery picture, and much needed for this episode!
Thank you for acknowledging that it was not a brothel. Decades ago I worked at a brothel in Navada. I had free will and the ability to set my price and come and go as I please. Sex work has problems to be sure but making it clear that sex work by choice helps those that don’t have choice. Making the difference between the two is an important step in making sex work safer for people like me and frees authorities to help those that don’t have the choice like I did.
For now, just be safe. Keep the young ones informed and remind them of how horrible the world can be. And yes, it can definitely happen to you. Terrible...
We're doing what we can for now, by listening to the stories Simon and others bring into the light. At some point, one of us may have an epiphany and be able to do more. Until then, keep the victims' memories alive!
Simon, you graduated from "well, I don't know if capital sentence is ethical" to "IT'S NOT FAIR THEY WEREN'T EXECUTED! C'MON MEXICO!?!" 😉 it was a disturbing road...but still, we all learned a lot
I may have been abused as a child, but that only makes me further abhor violence and abuse. Abuse is needless. Disgusting. Horrifying. I listen to this so I know the signs of someone to avoid.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! And thank you for choosing to be a decent human being, rather than to pass on what was done to you. Hugs!
I have seen nearly every episode of this channel already. Knowing I must have missed some, I found this one. This one is the worst. This one is the most painful.
Considering they're kidnapping, brutalizing, and murdering "the most beautiful girls".. I wouldn't blame any girls during that time if they chose to scar or disfigure themselves just in the hopes of not being kidnapped.
Whoever is reading this, i pray that whatever you’re going through gets better and whatever you’re struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen
Damn, Simon... I hope you engaged in self-care after recording this. Your bit at the start about how horrible history can be reminds me of a quote about the show Leverage, where John Rogers commented about how people thought the villains were overdone and the schemes unbelievable... and Rogers is happy to show the various news stories the episodes were based on, and how the villains were actually toned down.
This story is absolutely crazy! I mean I can't imagine a more terrifying existence for those poor girls, so sad that we have to hear these stories and tell our sisters or daughters to not trust anyone who seems too friendly or even for a normal thing like looking for work. All of that terrible shit aside , I think an AHS season on this brothel and these sisters and the whole story would be insane!!
It's exactly like The Handmaid's Tale (the book which inspired the TV show), the part where they get the other captives to bludgeon the "misbehaving one" to death. Unsurprisingly, the author did say that the reason why it feels so scary and convincing is that she got inspired by events and systems which exist somewhere in the world right now or have existed at some other time in human history...
For 65% off with HelloFresh plus FREE shipping, use code 65CRIMINALIST at bit.ly/3rFLctO
They should be called "HellaFresh".
Isn't HelloFresh based in Berlin?
Sex worker community house. 😆
Theere is a Kevin Costner movie about this subject.
Apparently,"Whorehouse",was no issue at all lol I do agree,as accuracy is key 99% of the time lol
Hey Simon, I know these stories are hard for you, but I wanted to let you know that they are actually helpful to me. I was trafficked, and have had some awful things happen to me. Your compassion for the victims and outrage at the perpetrators helps me believe that there are people out there that don't just want to hurt me. That there might be some good people. Thank you.
Very glad you made it to where you get to enjoy Simon and the teams tales
🍻
I hope you are safe now. There are a lot of us out here- those of us who lead with compassion and don’t want to harm anyone.
That you are a survivor shows how fucking amazing you are.
There are such people and I hope that, wherever you are, you find your way to a place where those people surround you and keep you safe from low, morally bankrupt, monsters like the ones who took your freedom. They are prisoners themselves.
The tears on my cheeks are for you.
So much love and support to you hopefully you are doing good now and in the future❤
The sincerity of the "OH NO" when Simon finds out these monsters were "accidentally killed" and "eaten by rats" is off the charts.
these are the best parts of each episode.
Aw, spoilers....
I absolutely fucking lost it at the rats one
"Clumsy me, I dropped a whole bucket of cement on slavers head! Oh gosh golly, geewizz!"
Spoiler alert!
Hello Fresh looked at "Brothel Killers" and said
"SPONSOR THAT SHIT"
Don't you just love it, how Simon is rooting for the Catalina so much he's giving her a pep talk?
His commentary brings me back to hear about cases I've already learned. I love him
Hearing stories like this just makes me realize that we'll never completely get rid of corruption because there's just too much corrupt people in power and that hurts.
This story also takes place in 1960s Mexico, of course places like that are still very corrupt but at least in the US and UK there’s less corruption.
Epstien didn't kill himself.
@@chadcuckproducer1037 Common knowledge tbf.
@@Sniperboy5551 if you're naive, you might think that.
“The most horrible and depressing crimes ever told on camera” immediately followed by “cheery music and an app that sells you groceries” gave me whiplash
Yep, the hello Fresh advert should have come after the bit where he talks about them selling the bodies for meat at the local markets 🤣
Yeah
Me too
Paused just to make the same comment. Have an upvote instead.
The UA-cam “adpocalypse” happened exactly for this reason, because they don’t want ads to appear alongside uncomfortable videos. I would actually applaud Hello Fresh for being okay with sponsoring this channel.
I'm here for Simon's barely contained rage.
This is one of those cases where I wouldn’t feel the tiniest bit of remorse ending the lives of these monsters in the worst way possible
And I would help you.
When hunting monsters take care lest one become a monster themselves. Gaze not long into the abyss for as you do the abyss gazes into you.
@@chadcuckproducer1037 Haha just make sure you get the right person
Those pictures remind me a lot of holocaust pictures.
Eye for an eye sounds about right. And I mean the literal meaning of the phrase, not what it actually was
This was one of the hardest ones to get through. I appreciate the emotional damage you took to record this one.
It's tough to even watch. Simon has daughters so I can't even imagine...
Me too. It so hard to hear, un imaginable to read or write and research. But letting more people know about it, I believe opens more people's eyes.
@@bellababooska4181 yes, unfortunately many people think that slavery is no longer happening, but it is as bad as ever.
Simon, the thing I get out of these stories is your humanity. Your reactions prove there are good people, people who find this stuff appalling, who can’t believe this stuff can happen. And maybe it raises awareness that it did and still does happen. I too took some comfort in the dropped cement and the rats. You are genuine proof that there are good people in the world - like the cops that believed and did something. ❤ you are a good man.
After 40 years of working in law enforcement and security people still wonder why I do not really like people. I have been watching your videos for awhile. The change in your attitude towards the death penalty is illuminating. Because you are right. Some people do not need to live by their own actions. You Sir are a moral Man. Never lose it. Peace and health to you and your family. D
Well said!
Police more often than not, are the sources of salvation for victims who had to endure such Barbaric treatment!
Sadly its mostly us men who are it's cause 😒
Your right, honestly I don't like the death penalty but on occasions I do, it's a strange position to have where your moral thinking becomes revenge thinking
Criminals go to jail, mad dogs get put down.
Sex traffic and sex slavery needs more exposed! Thank you for this video. Hard, difficult, and painful to hear, BUT it must be done.
I saw a lot of shit during my almost six years working missing child cases, but nothing ever got me like the ones we linked to sex trafficking. This was horrific to hear, and it’s indescribable to witness it firsthand, but I appreciate you guys telling the hard stories, because each and every victim, then and now, deserves to have their voices heard.
Thank you for your work. I hope you’re able to heal at least a bit from everything you had to see
Thank you for having done that job, idk that I could.
Thank you for helping those who need it.
Trafficking should be a death sentence
@@ricksmith7490 yes, but a slow slow tortuous one.
8:55 - Chapter 1 - The bodies of angel hill
15:50 - Mid roll ads
17:50 - Chapter 2 - The gonzales sisters
26:40 - Chapter 3 - Beneath contempt
37:15 - Chapter 4 - Savage empire
44:45 - Chapter 5 - The restless dead
48:55 - Dismembered appendices
Aww Simon You think the police here in America would even care
@@SpaceCowboy02 sadly the similar in the UK, have you heard about The Rotherham Scandal? Heartbreaking.
tysm!
“Some people don’t deserve to live,” “anyway, here’s Hello Fresh!” I love Simon so much 😂
One reason this is my favorite true crime podcast thing to listen or watch to is because having watched years of Buisness/Brain blaze this made me see Simon as so much more than the guy with the great voice that would throw the script around and make me laugh. When I started watching this channel at launch I knew within 2 episodes I knew Simon was a real legend 🙌 both of us nervous wrecks over these real life horrors
I much prefer him and his visible horror at what he reads to people who do similar but have no reaction. Also when he goes off on tangents it’s like the point where I also need to do that and not focus on just the pain and suffering.
Agreed
The victims deserve to be remembered. By bringing light to this case you have at least done something for them.
Definitely. It's horrifying listening but I feel duty bound so that the victims have legacy and remembered.
I think that calling human traffickers ''subhuman'' is nothing but accurate. What a loss would it be if they were put on death row until an actual human needs an organ transplant.
Better solution, we get the traffickers and throw them into an active volcano
I think there's a lot of people out there, myself included, who would rather die than know their body is a vessel for one of those monsters' hearts to beat even one more time.
Not even animals are this bad. Subhuman is not the word. These creatures are monsters.
So... I'm Jewish... and German.
And calling people of any kind "Subhuman" is the most disgusting thing in existence. Don't get me wrong, do what you want, I'm not offended, just disgusted.
You are literally doing what those traffickers do to their victims. Dehumanize them. So you can have a clean conscious while doing cruel things.
@@gandalf_thegrey that's... Really weird thing to say, why are you conparing yourself to literal murderers who have tortured, brutalized, and done all sorts of horrible unspeakable things youtube wont let me say? You should not and should never conpare yourself to such disgusting things that takes away hundrends of others freedoms and chances at life
Like I said for that video about the Korean cannibals, kudos to Simon for not giving a damn about their sob story. A bad upbringing does *not* magically entitle you to commit heinous crimes.
Hear hear!!
Completely agree. The whole “hurt people hurt other people” idea is a little bit enabling, in my opinion. Unless you’re going after the actual people who deliberately hurt you, nobody should suffer because someone else is. It’s childish, entitled, and selfish.
@@HavianEla Yeah. If Ed Kemper had *just* killed his mother in a fit of rage or vengeance rather than killing a bunch of college girls just to work up the nerve first, I'd have pitied him.
How does the hurt affect the chemistry and wiring in YOUR brain?? Because it's highly individual..
Hey Simon. This story made me believe that not every single person believes that trafficking others is a good idea. I was trafficked in my teenage years so this story makes me feel heard. Which before I thought that I was the only one who heard my cries. Thank you for covering this case Simon. It means a lot to me.
Hearing you worry about checking some of the psychopath boxes in the Ed Kemper episode, I just want to remind you of your reaction to stories like this, don't worry Simon, you have plenty of empathy, we can all hear the anguish in your voice.
not even 15 minutes in and I'm in tears. this is going to be a tough listen, but these survivors and victims deserve to be known about
I have never said SAME PAGE to *both* David and Simon in an episode before. Fantastic script, David! This is a brutal one, but I appreciate that you are shining a light on it. My sister was almost trafficked, I was able to stop her from going in time. It just takes one mistake... And Simon, I appreciate you calling that place out for what it was.
That's heart-wrenching, @Mara, more so when I wonder if you're the Mara that is such a good friend to my sister, whose sister was such a good friend to me. Whether that's you or not, I'm grateful that you stopped an atrocity from happening!
@@wendychavez5348 different person, but the more we can keep safe the better.
Whew! Thank you for keeping your sister safe, and others like her.
Hard to say I liked this one, but my dad's family fled Guadalajara for Canada when he was a baby, and he never really was able to pass on much of our Mexican heritage. All I heard as a child was that it was no place to be or have a family so his Mom and Dad fled, giving him a better life. The more I learn about Mexico the more I agree. The past; as Simon says, was the worst!
I will forever love Simons misguided trust in the FBI.
IKR? He actually still has faith in the the FBI 😂
Sad part is that this is still happening all around the world. I’m thankful these people were brought to justice but I sure wish that more could be done with the others that are still at work doing this same thing. Great work Simon as always! And the writers as well. Take care y’all.
That... was... brutal... and depressing... never seen you so disgusted at the end... and so was I... horrific what corruption leads to
Thank you Simon for delivering yet another horrible inhumane crime with much of your compassion and humanity shining through for the victims, and frustration at the horrible murderers from your asides.
I've just subscribed because just when you think you have enough tc channels, something really good pops up.
That is what your channel did for me. To make make someone smile during an horrific story is true talent.
Thank you. 😊
When i hear about trafficking victims in these dirty, horrible places, barely fed, emaciated, covered in filth, high out of their minds and skeletal thin, i always think (to put it very bluntly): there really are men out there who view women as nothing more than a hole. For them to see someone in that condition and living in those conditions and think 'yes, sex' is actually disgusting.
I could maybe understand if people knew a person lived like this and it was all due to say just drug use, and they ignored them because they live in a place where 'your business is your business' but for people to see someone like that and want to have sex with them is skin crawlingly evil in my mind.
Thank You , Simon, David , and everyone else!
This is by far one of the “worst” one of these yet. What a horrible thing to happen. Thanks for powering through these, Simon. Everyone can tell how much it bothers you.
All the "oh! No!" When Simon read of their deaths were so satisfying tbh
If you get a chance, please take a look at the disappearance of Audrey May Herron. She was a nurse in upstate NY that went missing without a trace in 2002, even her Jeep was never found. Her daughter continues to try and keep her mother’s case in people’s minds and had gone above and beyond. Maybe getting some new light may help to identify new leads.
This sounds interesting but I'm not sure Simon does open cases
There's a podcast called The Vanished that does an excellent job of sharing missing cases, especially ones not likely to get a lot of other attention.
@@rachelp2468 thank you so much!! I’ll check it out. 😁
I’m really happy to see so many comments in support of Simon, which echo my own sentiments. I had NO idea of the scope of sex trafficking and had never heard a story that made the emotional impact that this has. Also never wished I could be part of a violent angry mob before. Thank you for shining a light on a difficult topic.
Thanks for the vid, Simon! I spent a bit of my life in San Juan de los Lagos and have never heard of the case. I'll have to ask my family about it. I know this was a difficult case for you to cover but it's important for us to learn about it.
Three things:
1. We love our nicknames! 😂 Mine are chaparra (short one) and gordis (chubby one). The last one was given to me by my late father. Anyone else calls me that and I'll stab them.
2. If you are interested, the case of Marisela Escobedo is another sad one and perfectly encapsulates judicial corruption in Mexico.
3. Thank you for not basing your knowledge of Mexico on films like Sicario. It's much appreciated. x
Gorgeous voice, good program production!
You know you're in for a rough episode when Simon says "Oh God" after reading the first paragraph
In Texas we have public service announcements all day and night telling us if you see something, say something. That's what they say just before they say Human Traffking: It's closer than you think.
Fantastic. The writing, the delivery. One of the finest.
These sort of stories need to be heard. If kept out of sight, out of mind nothing will ever be done.
5,000,000 victims. 1,000,000 CHILDREN…How many ‘customers’ is that??? 🤬
Exactly! 'Customers' drive the industry.
It's so refreshing to see Simon's views on how to handle criminals evolve. He finally seems to be getting it.
This channel is so frigging underrated.
Simon absolutely rocks, I love each and every story and his commenting.
I think these women might actually be on par with Pedro Lopez for the worst humans you've ever covered.
I really appreciate that the stories shared aren't always English speaking Western countries. Bad shit happens everywhere and the horrors deserve as much light shined on them as Gacy and Dahmer get. Especially the victims. They deserve to be heard and learned about. These poor women.
If you want to check out true crime cases from South Korea look up GRAZY GRACE
Simon, I really hope you have professional supervision and debriefing. You're a decent person and this can't be good for you. This one did me in. I need a break from true crime. Please look after yourself.
Simon: "Some people don't deserve to live do they?"
Cut to "Let me tell you about our sponsors Hello Fresh!"
What comes out of a video like this is more people around the world know what a brave woman Catalina and the other girls captive in the brothel were and what heroes they are for speaking out and the countless lives they saved as well as their own. They are so strong, and went through so much, but they kept going so that more would not be taken and hurt.
I’m morally opposed to the death penalty but like Simon, I would make an exception in this case!
I prefer a story where Liam Neeson rescues the girls by tracking them down and punching the kidnappers in the throats.
don't we all... sometimes I wish reality worked that way. this was so hard to listen to
I would not blame you if you took longer breaks from CC episodes, some stories need to be told, but you don't have to be the only one telling them.
As soon as I heard Lagos de Moreno and Leon I got chills. My mom is from a tiny town not too far away. Like, I can’t fathom the thought that women my mom and grandma knew might have been trafficked.
And my supposedly "educated" and "worldly" college associates couldn't figure out why the Mexican international students just laughed when they called US police evil and corrupt.
I freakin love Simon for his genuineness.
The only positive thing I have to say is that I truly appreciate the hard work Simon, David, Jen and Jose put into creating this video in order to educate us about this monstrous family and their horrific crimes. I've never heard of them before today. It was difficult and depressing to listen to, so it must have been even more difficult for y'all to create. Thank your for enduring it on our behalf. 💔
Love ur personal input on this video🤣 unintentionally hilarious 😂🙌🏻🙌🏻
There's a difference between "Doing what you have to do to survive" and "Victimizing other people for your own survival."
The “Nuremberg Defense” (just following orders) was pretty effective. It did not work for senior officers, but the bulk of the Nazis and the Wehrmacht had the defense applied to them and were either let out of prison or just left alone and allowed to rejoin society.
Because the defense was used at the Trial of Major War Criminals, thus highly covered by the press, it became largely misunderstood by the general public to mean the defense was invalidated everywhere. Which was not the case. For the most part, it’s still a valid defense that is warranted full attention by most courts. With the hugely notable exception of Germany where soldiers are allowed to refuse orders which jeopardize the dignity of the soldier or the subject of the orders.
Although western militaries have public policies that give the soldiers a degree of latitude in refusing illegal, amoral, or anti-ethical orders, there is a good reason villages and civilian neighborhoods still get mown down. There are major repercussions to defying orders, regardless of their intent. Very, very few speak up. The few who have saw their careers and lives ruined. That doesn’t include the conspiratorial friendly fire deaths. Many of which have been posited as punishment for disobeying.
Sorry for the long comment. But I thought it was important to point out that just following orders has successfully been used millions of times. It’s not an instantly invalid defense.
It’s not often that a true crime story makes me cry as hard as this one did because it’s heartbreaking how these young girls and women were viewed as nothing more than sex dolls. And it’s worth saying that all the customers they had were the ones who made this possible. Hundreds of girls and therefore, hundreds of customers that payed them to keep going. I hate this so much. There’s litterally no better words I just feel HATE in my whole body for these people.
I agree... customers drive the traffic as much as the traffickers!
@@jenA9026 exactly! No demand, no supply.
I happen to be the exact same height as Catalina, 5' 2''. I also have a 20+ year history of anorexia (10 year anniversary in summer of this year being symptom free). At my lowest, I weight in at 42 kg (92,6 lb). I know the state your body's in at that point. I know the state your brain's cognitive function's are in at that point. Catalina, at 5' 2'', weighting in at 36 kg (79 lb), all I can say is: It's down right an almost miraculous testament to her inner strength and unyielding will to live, and the belief in her right to a better - a good, and free - life, that she managed to escape under the conditions she was forced into by men and women who can not be described any other way than truly the embodiment of evil. And, for myself as well as others, I choose to believe that that strength is somewhere - deep inside - in all of us. Whether we know it or not. As long as we can find that one, single, motivator. Whatever it may be.
I paused the episode to make this comment, so I'm yet to find out what happened to Catalina in the end, but I hope - even though I've no trust what so ever in platitudes as "goodness will prevail", because I - as most of you - know that is far - *_far!_* - from the case of reality. But I hope - I still hope - she'll make it through to the other side. Because she deserves it. She deserves to be the winner that lives inside of her.
Stay Safe, Stay Sane, and Take Care.
Cheers!
Good on'ye for overcoming your condition these last 10 years! We all face challenges, some worse than others, though all are worth noticing and celebrating. Be well!
Good on you for coming through that and the ten years symptom free. That is a major accomplishment.
I had an ED for years. People may not really be aware of what that level of starvation does to someone cognitively or their ability to make decisions. Even without adding in the horror these girls were going through. Amazing will to live.
Thanks for reading this as a survivor of birth trauma ob abuse and force even sexual harassment I appreciate hearing others stories it helps trafficking victims or medical victims which is extremely similar to trafficking feel less alone
_A killer is someone who kills, whether by intent or not, A murderer is someone who kills with a motive in mind._
Simon- I know these reads are difficult for you, but I SO appreciate your compassion when presenting. I can’t really watch other presenters anymore because they are just sensationalizing the content. You never do. I appreciate the content you and your team put out. Thank you for what you do.
Fuckin' hell, this started at 100 and just broke the scale as it kept goin up from there. Goddamn.
Well said!
15:50 Yah, I agree Simon. Some people can be rehabilitated, but people that monstrous; best we just get rid of them. There is no fixing anything that broken and ugly to it's core.
This stuff is so hard. I study the trans-Atlantic slave trade professionally and your pain as you internalize the horrors these girls faced and the too often minimal punishments their abusers were given is something I so, so so empathize with. Knowing how vile humans can be is pretty stark. One thing a wiser man than me once told me when I was doing my doctoral work studying this: "Take your outrage and horror and make it fuel to do the work of telling these stories to the world." You are doing that, you and your team, so a gigantic kudos.
If your team ever wants to turn to the same ugliness, look up Thomas Thistlewood, a Jamaican slave plantation owner who kept a detailed diary. It's harrowing. I won't wish it on Simon though! Thank you for doing such a powerful job here.
Don't forget to give Jen some love at the beginning of your videos, Simon!
"Some people don't deserve to live, do they? Now let me interrupt this episode to talk about Hello Fresh!"
I also find it amazing how Simon thinks the FBI is honest.😢
Hell of a way to start the week David. At least it can't get any worse- unless there's another Casual Criminalist later this week...
My favorite thing about Simon is how relatable he is. Like when he's horrified by what he's reading, he's echoing my emotions and thoughts exactly. And I love his tangents because they kind of give me an emotional break in between the gory details. I also love that he's too soft hearted to read some of it. He's such a beautiful dad.
That was a hard listen that...not the format or the writing but that story was horrific. Let's remember the victims and those who are still in this situation.
There is good in the world, my best compliment is that you are part of it. Thank you Simon for caring even a little. You speak as a decent man.
We came up seriously poor. Mama worked hard, long hours to feed and clothe us. She made sure we were welll educated, taught strong morals, well loved, and given loving discipline. Being poor doesn't mean you have to be low and mean. Where I grew up being poor was pretty common. Being a criminal wasn't. We grew up to be good people, to take care of Mama. That's the way these stories should end.
Simon, I know this is hard, but I want to thank you for tackling hard stories like this. --- Heroes and famous people have stories, these girl's stories are important to know too.
That was probably the most horrifying story I've ever heard. Not much gets to me but I cried. I'm disgusted by the cruelty of the human race.
You'd think the government would try to save face by telling the angry mob "here they are, take it slow"
Whenever an episode of CC makes me sad for the human race, I always imagine the theme song being played by Danny sitting in a smokey bar, hunched over a piano, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth and a lager at the ready. And Kevin besides him on bass with some sunglasses.
That’s a beautiful image u painted for me! 😂
@@Robbo-mx8nn You're welcome! I hope it can serve a bit as a palate cleanser 😆
...all gathered 'round the fire in Simon's basement with Jen and all his other legendary writers. That's a cheery picture, and much needed for this episode!
GREAT WORK by the police on this case.
This was way heavier than expected
I continue to be impressed with Jen's abilities to maximise tonal whiplash by cutting in a HelloFresh ad read at _juuust_ the right moment.
David + CasCrim scripts = Simon second-hand trauma
Thank you for acknowledging that it was not a brothel. Decades ago I worked at a brothel in Navada. I had free will and the ability to set my price and come and go as I please. Sex work has problems to be sure but making it clear that sex work by choice helps those that don’t have choice. Making the difference between the two is an important step in making sex work safer for people like me and frees authorities to help those that don’t have the choice like I did.
This is sick and it's worse that this is happening everyday in every country around the world. I wish we could do something
For now, just be safe. Keep the young ones informed and remind them of how horrible the world can be. And yes, it can definitely happen to you. Terrible...
We're doing what we can for now, by listening to the stories Simon and others bring into the light. At some point, one of us may have an epiphany and be able to do more. Until then, keep the victims' memories alive!
Love to see you cover. "Toy box killer" David Parker Ray. Man suspected of killing 60, but not convicted of any murders. Still went to prison.
Oh, dear lord. He will need therapy after that! And I won't be able to watch it. I can't handle torture, at least not on that level. 😱
@@Kari.F. it's a rough one.
@@Kari.F. agreed. I wish I could unsee the documentary on it I saw.
Simon, you graduated from "well, I don't know if capital sentence is ethical" to "IT'S NOT FAIR THEY WEREN'T EXECUTED! C'MON MEXICO!?!" 😉 it was a disturbing road...but still, we all learned a lot
thank you, Simon and David. It was brutal but the victims just gained more voices on their behalf.
I may have been abused as a child, but that only makes me further abhor violence and abuse. Abuse is needless. Disgusting. Horrifying.
I listen to this so I know the signs of someone to avoid.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! And thank you for choosing to be a decent human being, rather than to pass on what was done to you. Hugs!
The concrete bucket dropper is a LEGEND!!!
I have seen nearly every episode of this channel already. Knowing I must have missed some, I found this one. This one is the worst. This one is the most painful.
Considering they're kidnapping, brutalizing, and murdering "the most beautiful girls".. I wouldn't blame any girls during that time if they chose to scar or disfigure themselves just in the hopes of not being kidnapped.
Thank you for bringing awareness to this story.
Whoever is reading this, i pray that whatever you’re going through gets better and whatever you’re struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen
Thanks you too^^
Likewise
Thank you. I need all the prayers I can get. I also pray the same for you.
What a lovely sentiment…. I hope your doing well too
Thank you. ❤️
Damn, Simon... I hope you engaged in self-care after recording this.
Your bit at the start about how horrible history can be reminds me of a quote about the show Leverage, where John Rogers commented about how people thought the villains were overdone and the schemes unbelievable... and Rogers is happy to show the various news stories the episodes were based on, and how the villains were actually toned down.
Simon: "... some people don't deserve to live, do they? * shakes head *
Let's talk about today's sponsor! Hello Fresh!"
Genius editing xD
Purely makes the rational reasoning for Vigilantism...
Simon, you're the only one I would listen tell this Horrifying Story (Case)!
Agreed.
This story is absolutely crazy! I mean I can't imagine a more terrifying existence for those poor girls, so sad that we have to hear these stories and tell our sisters or daughters to not trust anyone who seems too friendly or even for a normal thing like looking for work.
All of that terrible shit aside , I think an AHS season on this brothel and these sisters and the whole story would be insane!!
It's exactly like The Handmaid's Tale (the book which inspired the TV show), the part where they get the other captives to bludgeon the "misbehaving one" to death. Unsurprisingly, the author did say that the reason why it feels so scary and convincing is that she got inspired by events and systems which exist somewhere in the world right now or have existed at some other time in human history...
I want to congratulate you for keeping it together, I was forever breaking into tears, what inhumane monsters.