The suspect was captured on Saturday, police said.
A suspect has been arrested in the slaying of Texas high school cheerleader Lizbeth Medina, whose mother found her body at her home Tuesday, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Rafael Govia Romero, was arrested Saturday in Schulenburg, Texas, and charged with murder in the slaying of the 16-year-old victim, police said.
Medina was scheduled to perform with her cheerleading squad in the Christmas parade in Etna on Tuesday, her mother, Jacqueline Medina, told the Houston ABC station. K.T.R.K.
But when the teenager didn’t show up, her mother said she went looking for her and eventually found her unresponsive in her apartment.
Texas Rangers and Edna police arrested Romero in Schulenburg, about 75 miles north of Etna, and he was taken to the Jackson County Jail, Etna Police Chief Rick Boone said in a statement Sunday. Details of those arrested were not immediately released.
Romero’s arrest came a day after the Edna Police Department announced it was searching for a person and vehicle of interest in Medina’s murder.
“Despite Romero’s arrest, we recognize that Elizabeth’s family and friends are grieving and still need the support of the community,” Boone said. “Etna’s citizens can now rest in peace.”
Before Romero’s arrest, Edna police on Saturday released photos of a person and a vehicle of interest in the case.
The man of interest was described by police as possibly having a tattoo behind his right ear and was seen in the footage wearing a black Volcom hooded sweatshirt. He was driving a 2010 to 2018 silver Ford Taurus, police said.
This is a growing story. Check back for updates.
