MURDERED: Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca
When Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca, a young mother on the brink of a new beginning, is found murdered just weeks after she vanished, the search for answers unravels a web of her boyfriend’s lies and manipulation.
Listened to this episode? Let us know what you think here.
Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca
Source: East Haven Police Department
Aerial view of Lizzbeth and Jonnathan’s home and neighborhood in East Haven, CT.
Source: Google Earth
Surveillance footage shows Lizzbeth, her boyfriend, Jonnathan Jara-Aucapina, and their daughter walking into their home on June 29th, 2020.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Body camera footage of Lizzbeth’s father, Albino (left); sister, Yaneth Aleman; and boyfriend, Jonnathan, reporting Lizzbeth missing on July 3rd, 2020.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Body camera footage of Jonnathan.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Surveillance footage shows Jonnathan moving Lizzbeth’s car on July 1st, 2020.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Surveillance footage shows Jonnathan spraying air freshener around the trunk of Lizzbeth’s car on July 1st, 2020.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Surveillance footage shows Jonnathan buying a shovel and hoe at Home Depot on July 1st, 2020.
Source: East Haven Police Department
East Haven police set up to search Lizzbeth and Jonnathan’s apartment.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Aerial view of LoMonaco’s Ristorante, in Branford, CT. Jonnathan worked there.
Source: Google Earth
The door was laying on top of disturbed dirt behind LoMonaco’s Ristorante.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Lizzbeth’s body was found buried behind a dumpster at LoMonaco’s Ristorante.
Source: East Haven Police Department
Jonnathan Jara-Aucapina
Source: East Haven Police Department
Lizzbeth’s loved ones and supporters put up signs, candles, and flowers near the place her body was found.
Source: Justice for Lizbeth Aleman-Popoca (sic) Facebook page
Lizzbeth’s loved ones and supporters in front of LoMonaco’s Ristorante.
Source: Justice for Lizbeth Aleman-Popoca (sic) Facebook page
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, you are not alone.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); for TTY: 1-800-787-3224; or text “START” to 88788.
Resources
For a list of domestic violence resources, click HERE.
We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.
If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:
Episode Source Material
- Original reporting by Nina Schutzman
- East Haven Police Department records
- Hartford Courant (11-6-2011) Accessed 10-24-2024)
Suggested Episodes
MURDERED: Joyce LePage
In the summer of 1971, 21-year-old Joyce LePage disappears after a skydiving lesson followed by a beer with friends. In the beginning, the only clue is a piece of missing carpet that was cut out from a vacant dorm on the campus of Washington State University where Joyce had been secretly squatting. Her belongings, her car and her body would all be found in different places, and they all point to different suspects.
MURDERED: Carmen Van Huss
On March 23, 1993, screams tore through the thin walls of a gated Indianapolis apartment complex as 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss fought for her life. Neighbors heard the attack, but no one called 911.
MURDERED: Christine Banfield & Joseph Ryan
When Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were found fatally injured inside a Virginia home in 2023, investigators were told Ryan was a violent intruder and that Christine’s husband (a federal agent) had tried to save her. But digital evidence suggested something else: that Ryan had been lured there through a fake online persona, and the scene staged to hide a double homicide.
Join our Fan Club to listen to this episode and more!
Unlock all of the exclusive benefits and dynamic listening experience as a Crime Junkie Fan Club member.
Join the Fan Club now to reap the rewards!
