Accident – death – Obituary News :

Suspect Arrested in Slaying of Texas Cheerleader Lizbeth Medina

A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the murder of Lizbeth Medina, a high school cheerleader from Texas. The lifeless body of the 16-year-old victim was discovered in her home’s bathtub by her mother on Tuesday, shocking the community.

According to authorities, the suspect responsible for this heinous crime has been identified as 23-year-old Rafael Govea Romero. On Saturday, he was apprehended by the Texas Rangers and Edna police in Schulenburg, a town located approximately 75 miles north of Edna. Romero has been placed in custody on suspicion of capital murder, pending further investigation.

In a statement released on Sunday, Edna Police Chief Rick Boone revealed that Romero was taken to the Jackson County Jail, though specific details regarding his arrest were not immediately disclosed.

Medina’s mother, Jacqueline Medina, shared with Houston ABC station KTRK that her daughter was scheduled to perform with her cheerleading squad at a Christmas parade in Edna on the day of her tragic demise. When the teenager failed to show up, her concerned mother embarked on a search to find her, only to discover her lifeless body at their apartment.

The arrest of Romero comes just one day after the Edna Police Department released security footage images of a person and vehicle of interest linked to Medina’s murder. Described as a male individual with a possible tattoo behind his right ear, the person of interest was captured in the images wearing a black Volcom hooded sweatshirt. Additionally, the individual was seen driving a silver Ford Taurus, believed to be a model year ranging from 2010 to 2018, as stated by the police.

Remarkably, Romero’s arrest coincided with a candlelight vigil held by classmates and members of the community in honor of Medina. The gathering took place at a gazebo outside the Jackson County Courthouse in Edna on Saturday evening.

While Romero’s apprehension provides some relief to the citizens of Edna, Chief Boone acknowledged that Medina’s family and friends are still grieving and require ongoing support from the community. He expressed his hope that the arrest would allow the residents of Edna to find solace and peace.

At this stage, the police have not disclosed whether there was any prior connection between Medina and Romero or if the attack was a random act of violence. Furthermore, the authorities have released limited information regarding the circumstances surrounding Medina’s death, and an autopsy report is yet to be made public.

Jacqueline Medina shared that her family relocated to Edna, a town situated approximately 25 miles northeast of Victoria in southeast Texas, last year. She recounted how her daughter was honored during her school’s football game on Thursday night, where the grieving cheerleading squad and her family wore purple, which was Lizbeth’s favorite color.

“My head is spinning in every direction, and I simply want answers and justice,” stated Jacqueline Medina in an emotional interview with KTRK prior to the game. She described her daughter as having a “kind heart” and being incredibly generous, always willing to help others in need.

“You have taken an angel from me, and not just from me, but from all the people who loved her,” Jacqueline Medina expressed, devastated by the loss.

ABC News’ Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.

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