She had been brutally assaulted and strangled with her own sweatshirt drawstring in the seedy Seattle neighborhood with its reputation for illicit activities and drug trafficking. Her body was found in a peculiar position, as if she had been laid out in a mock-crucifixion pose with her ankles crossed and arms stretched out. The paramedics responded to the call but were unable to revive her.
Mia Katherine Zapata was an influential American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Gits. Born on August 25, 1965, in Louisville, Kentucky, Mia grew up with a passion for music and a rebellious spirit. She started singing at a young age and was drawn to the raw energy of punk rock.
In the late 1980s, Mia moved to Seattle, Washington, which was a vibrant hub for the burgeoning grunge and punk scene. It was there that she formed The Gits in 1986 with guitarist Joe Spleen, bassist Matt Dresdner, and drummer Steve Moriarty. The band quickly gained a reputation for their intense live performances and Mia’s powerful and emotive vocals.
The Gits released their debut album, “Frenching the Bully,” in 1992, which received critical acclaim and helped them build a dedicated fan base. Their music was a blend of punk, rock, and blues, with Mia’s lyrics often exploring themes of social justice, personal struggles, and empowerment. Mia’s voice was raw, passionate, and full of conviction, capturing the attention of listeners.
Tragically, Mia’s life was cut short on July 7, 1993, when she was brutally murdered at the age of 27. Her death sent shockwaves through the music community and left a void that could never be filled. However, Mia’s legacy and impact on the punk rock scene continue to resonate to this day.
Following her untimely death, several tribute albums were released in honor of Mia and The Gits. “Evil Stig,” an anagram of “The Gits,” featured Joan Jett as the band’s vocalist, paying homage to Mia’s indelible influence. The documentary film “The Gits” was also released in 2005, celebrating Mia’s life and the lasting impact of her music.
Mia Zapata’s life and career serve as a reminder of the power of music to inspire, provoke change, and challenge the status quo. Her passionate vocals and thought-provoking lyrics continue to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans, keeping her spirit alive. Though her life was tragically cut short, Mia Zapata’s contributions to the punk rock movement remain an enduring testament to her talent, creativity, and unyielding spirit.Mia Zapata, the lead singer of the punk band The Gits, was tragically murdered in 1993. Her case remained unsolved for almost a decade until DNA evidence
Convict Who Murdered Mia Zapata, Important Seattle Punk Artist, Passed Away In Prison
A person who was found guilty of killing Mia Zapata, the renowned singer of Seattle’s The Gits on July 7, 1993, has passed away.
It has been recently announced by the Washington state Department of Corrections that Jesus Mezquia, who was 66 years old, passed away in a hospital in Pierce County, Washington back on January 21 of this year. No further explanation was provided for the cause of his death as reported by RollingStone.com.
For a decade, Mezquia was able to evade punishment for his crime, until a 2003 arrest in Miami provided DNA evidence linking him to the murder. Despite being initially sentenced to 36 years for Zapata’s death, the conviction was overturned in August 2005, only to be reinstated by the Washington state Court of Appeal in January of 2009.
