Anatomy of Murder From The Deck: Jerene Matta (Queen of Spades, Washington)
Jan 27, 2026
Detective Drew Shaw, a Yakima Police Department investigator who led the Jerene Matta probe, shares first-hand crime scene accounts. He recounts finding fire-damaged premises and destroyed evidence. He discusses surveillance-heavy property, missing electronics, ATM footage of a masked person, DNA leads, and theories about motives and suspects. He reflects on the case’s cold-but-active status.
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Harrowing Crime Scene Discovery
- Detective Drew Shaw recounts arriving at Jerene Mata's house after the alarm and finding her bound, beaten, and deceased from smoke inhalation.
- He describes heavy duct tape bindings and a command-center of surveillance TVs missing from the scene.
Arson Used To Destroy Evidence
- The fire was arson, likely set to destroy evidence and Jerene's body, and originated in a spare room lit with gasoline.
- The assailant also stole surveillance hard drives and multiple big-screen TVs, removing key investigative assets.
Blankets And Vomit Left Outside
- Responders found three Afghan-style blankets with vomit in the street that family later identified as from Jerene's home.
- Investigators theorized the blankets may have been used to cover people or stolen items during the crime.