The Skeleton Saint: Faith, Delusion, and Crime

In this episode, we examine the disappearance of six-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, a medically fragile child who was last seen months before authorities were alerted. What started as a routine welfare check turned into a disturbing investigation involving deception, alleged abuse, and a mother who fled the country just days after being questioned.But this story doesn’t end with a manhunt. As investigators uncovered the beliefs that the mother had, attention turned to a controversial and often misunderstood folk saint: La Santa Muerte. Through anthropology, history, and firsthand accounts, we explore whether this figure represents something sinister... or whether fear and cultural bias have distorted her meaning.This episode contains sensitive material and explores themes of child harm, belief, and justice. Listener discretion is strongly advised.