Episode 36: MURDERED: Sonia Jimenez - Channelview, TX

A typical Monday evening, a violent estranged husband, a mother left for dead in a parking lot, and a family shattered forever.

Episode Summary

On July 31, 2006, Sonia Jimenez was brutally murdered outside a friend's apartment in Channelview, Texas. Just hours later, her three-year-old daughter, Danielle, vanished after being taken by the man police believe killed her mother. Nearly twenty years later, Sonia's case remains unsolved-and Danielle has never been found.

Sonia Jimenez was known for her joy, confidence, and unmistakable presence. Friends and family described her as vibrant and fearless—a woman who loved to dance, dress up, and take pride in her appearance. Her daughters were the center of her world, and despite financial struggles and a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, Sonia worked tirelessly to give her girls a happy, stable life.

At the time of her death, Sonia was separated from her husband, Leandro Jimenez. On the day she was killed, Sonia was ambushed and stabbed outside a friend’s apartment in Channelview. A few hours later, Leandro went to the family home in Pasadena, let himself inside, and took their three-year-old daughter, Danielle. Sonia later died from her injuries, and an arrest warrant was issued for Leandro on charges of murder and abduction. An Amber Alert was issued for Danielle, but neither she nor Leandro has ever been located. Authorities believe he may have fled to Mexico. Today, Danielle would be 22 years old. Sonia’s oldest daughter, Jessica, continues to hold onto memories of her mother and the hope that one day her sister will be found.

Sonia Jimenez was more than a case file—she was a loving mother, a devoted friend, and a woman whose light left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her story, and Danielle’s disappearance, deserve answers.

Please share this episode, share Sonia’s name, and share Danielle’s face. Awareness matters—and sometimes it’s the only thing keeping a case alive.

If You Have Information

If you have any information about the murder of Sonia Jimenez, the whereabouts of Danielle Jimenez, or Leandro Jimenez, please contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at (713) 967-5810. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram: @TrueCrimeUnwind

• TikTok: @TrueCrimeUnwind

• Facebook @TrueCrimeUnwind

Support the Show:

• Rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

• Share with fellow true crime fans

• Tag us while you listen and let us know your theories!