A Man Arrested in Connection with the Slaying of a 16-Year-Old Cheerleader in Texas

A man has been arrested in connection with the slaying of a 16-year-old cheerleader in Texas. Lizbeth Medina’s body was found in the bathtub of her home in Edna on Tuesday. The suspect in her killing, 23-year-old Rafael Govea Romero, was located in Schulenburg, about 70 miles north of Edna, on Saturday, Edna Police Chief Rick Boone said in a statement on Sunday. Edna police officers and Texas Rangers arrested Romero, who police say is undocumented, for capital murder and transported him to Jackson County Jail.

Arrest and Bond

Romero’s bond is set at $2 million, as reported by KPRC 2. Boone said the citizens of Edna can “sleep in peace” following Romero’s arrest. His arrest came a day after the police department released surveillance photos of a person and a vehicle of interest in Medina’s death. Authorities have not said if there was any relationship between Romero and Medina.

Family’s Reaction

Medina’s mother Jacqueline Medina expressed her worries when her daughter did not show up to perform with her high school cheerleading squad at a Christmas parade on December 5. She rushed home and found her daughter’s body in the bathtub of their apartment. First responders were called, but Medina was pronounced dead at the scene. “Words can’t explain what I felt at that moment, finding my daughter in the manner that she was,” Jacqueline Medina told a local station.

Victim’s Background

Medina was born in Nebraska and had been living in Edna for a year, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for funeral expenses. She was a student at Edna High School. “She was loved by many but most importantly she is loved and will be missed by the family,” her aunt Ana Medina wrote on the page. Boone said his officers were “dedicated to seeking justice” for Medina, as stated in a post on Facebook on Sunday. “They were dedicated to seeking justice for Lizbeth and it showed in their many many hours spent investigating this crime.”

Conclusion

The arrest of the suspect in the slaying of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina brings a sense of relief to the community of Edna. The tragic loss of a young life has deeply impacted her family and friends. The pursuit of justice for Lizbeth Medina continues, and the community remains hopeful for a fair legal process.