Police Arrest Suspect in Killing of 16-Year-Old Cheerleader Found Dead in Edna, Texas

Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the tragic death of a 16-year-old cheerleader who was discovered deceased in her bathtub by her mother earlier this week in Edna, Texas.

The Edna Police Department located the suspect, identified as Rafael Romero, in Schulenburg, Texas on Saturday.

Texas Rangers, the investigative unit responsible for major violent crimes under the state’s Department of Public Safety, apprehended Romero on charges of capital murder. If convicted, the suspect could face the death penalty. He has since been transported to the Jackson County Jail.

Lizbeth Medina, a promising young cheerleader at Edna High School, had aspirations of becoming a nurse, according to her aunt Ana Medina.

“Lizbeth was an outgoing and confident individual, always willing to lend a helping hand,” expressed her aunt Ana Medina in an interview with NBC News. “She possessed charm, youthfulness, and boundless energy. Unfortunately, all of that was abruptly cut short.”

According to a news release from the Edna Police Department, Jacqueline Medina, Lizbeth’s mother, returned home on Tuesday evening to discover her daughter unresponsive in the bathtub. Officers quickly arrived at the scene, only to find the young cheerleader deceased.

The local community gathered for a moving vigil on Saturday night to mourn the loss of Lizbeth Medina.

Edna Police Chief Rick Boone expressed his gratitude for the dedication of his officers in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday. He vowed to tirelessly pursue justice for the teenager, acknowledging the strain placed on his small department. Officers willingly worked overtime and even sacrificed their days off to support the investigation.

Originally from Nebraska, Lizbeth had been living in Texas for approximately a year before the tragic incident occurred. Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for funeral and memorial expenses.

“Lizbeth was loved by many, but most importantly, she was cherished and will be deeply missed by her family,” Ana Medina expressed on the fundraiser page.