Lizbeth Medina death: Police say suspect drove by Texas teen's home 'several times' night before murder
EDNA, TEXAS: Rafael Romero, suspected of killing a 16-year-old high school cheerleader, Lizbeth Medina, from southern Texas, visited her home "several times" before her murder on December 5, including a drive through the apartment grounds the previous evening, as per authorities.
An affidavit by Edna Police Department Detective Stacy Cavazos states that, as per investigators, Romero exhibited "stalking-like behavior" during his repeated visits, according to the Victoria Advocate.
He was taken into custody in Jackson County Jail after being apprehended near Schulenberg, Texas, on December 9 on suspicion of capital murder.
What happened to Lizbeth Medina?
Lizbeth was found unresponsive by her mother, Jacquelin Medina, in her home in the small town of Edna on December 5.
She, alongside some of the teenager's friends, arrived at the apartment after the cheerleader failed to show up at a Christmas parade as well as her school.
The Edna Police Department noted that on arrival, officers found Lizbeth dead. She suffered multiple stab wounds and the preliminary autopsy report stated the cause of death was due to "sharp force injuries."
Her mother said, "Someone dared to go in and just rip my daughter away from me, it just kills me," about the situation, adding, "I just want answers to why they would do this to an amazing little girl who would never hurt anyone, wouldn't dare to hurt anyone," as per 11alive.
Prior to Romero's arrest, authorities released photos on December 9 where a person, now identified as the suspect, could be seen leaving the premises on the morning of Lizbeth’s death, appearing to enter a silver Ford Taurus and get away.
Now, after checking the footage from the same neighbor, Edna police believe Romero was the one who drove through the apartments around 10 pm the night before on December 4, as per Cavazos's affidavit.
What does Edna Police Department Detective Stacy Cavazos' affidavit further say?
"From this, it was believed that the suspect was planning his crime and/or stalking his future victims," further states the affidavit.
Only a few weeks before Lizbeth's death, in November, the flat where she and her mother resided was broken into. Detective Cavazos also wrote, "I believe the burglary from 11/13/2023 could have had a connection with the murder suspect."
Moreover, several of Lizbeth's items were found in Romero’s bedroom, connecting him to the murder.
"Although Romero is apprehended, we recognize Lizbeth's family and friends are grieving and will still need support from the community," the Edna Police Department said on Facebook, adding, "The citizens of Edna can now sleep in peace!"
