EDNA, TX – In a significant breakthrough, police have arrested a man in relation to the murder of Lizbeth Medina, a 16-year-old cheerleader from Texas. The teen’s lifeless body was discovered by her mother in their home’s bathtub earlier this week.
Rafael Govea Romero was apprehended on Saturday in Schulenburg, Texas, and is facing capital murder charges for the young cheerleader’s death, according to local law enforcement. Romero was detained by the Texas Rangers and the Edna police in Schulenburg, a town roughly 75 miles north of Edna. He is now being held in the Jackson County Jail, as stated by Edna Police Chief Rick Boone. The specifics of the arrest have not been released.
On the day of her death, Lizbeth Medina was scheduled to perform with her cheerleading squad at a Christmas parade. Her absence led her mother, Jacqueline Medina, to search for her, culminating in the heartbreaking discovery at their home.
The apprehension of Romero came a day after the Edna Police Department announced they were seeking a person and vehicle in connection with Medina’s murder. The arrest occurred while a candlelight vigil for Medina was being held by her classmates and community members.
Police Chief Boone acknowledged the ongoing grieving process for Medina’s family and friends, emphasizing the need for continued community support. He also expressed relief for the residents of Edna, who can now feel safer.
Before Romero’s arrest, the Edna police released photos of a person and vehicle of interest. The man in the photos was described as possibly having a tattoo behind his right ear and was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. He was also seen driving a silver Ford Taurus, model year between 2010 and 2018.
The police have not revealed if there was a pre-existing relationship between Medina and Romero, or if the attack was random. Romero is reportedly an undocumented, illegal, migrant. More details about Medina’s death have been withheld and an autopsy report is still awaited.
Jacqueline Medina and her family had moved to Edna, a town located about 25 miles northeast of Victoria in southeast Texas, last year. She revealed that her daughter was honored at her school’s football game on Thursday night, where the cheerleading squad and her family wore purple, the teen’s preferred color.