Lizbeth Medina death: Suspect arrested after murder of 16-year-old Texas cheerleader in bathtub

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SCHULENBERG, TEXAS: The lifeless body of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina was discovered in her bathtub by her mother, Jacqueline Medina.

Following the tragic incident, the suspect, Rafael Govea Romera, was apprehended in Schulenberg, approximately 50 miles north of Edna.

The police announced the arrest, assuring the citizens of Edna that they can now rest with a sense of security.

The statement also extended this reassurance to the neighbors of the late Texas cheerleader, Lizbeth. 

Throughout the investigation, the cheerleader's mother shared insights into Lizbeth's personality, skills, and way of life. She also conveyed the profound sorrow of discovering her daughter's lifeless body in the bathtub, describing the emotional impact of the tragic event from a mother's perspective.

Police arrest murder suspect

On Friday, December 8, the police released security camera footage of a suspect in the murder of Lizbeth Medina.

Following this, on Sunday morning, December 10, the Edna Police announced the arrest of an 'undocumented male' identified as Rafael Govea Romero in Schulenberg, approximately 50 miles north of Edna. 

Promptly, both the police and rangers traveled to Schulenburg, where Romero was taken into custody and subsequently transported to Jackson County Jail.

Edna Police stated, “Although Romero is apprehended, we recognize Lizbeth's family and friends are grieving and still need support from the community. The citizens of Edna can now sleep in peace!” as per Daily Mail.

What exactly happened?

Lizbeth's mother, Jacqueline recounted the horrifying moment when she discovered her daughter's lifeless body at their shared residence in Cottonwood Apartments last week.

She had awakened Lizbeth at 6 am on Tuesday as she left for work, reminding her to attend cheer practice with her Edna High School teammates ahead of the afternoon parade.

However, when Jacqueline attended the parade after her work, Lizbeth was conspicuously absent, and no one had heard from her since 7.30 am.

Growing concerned, Jacqueline initiated a search, continuously calling Lizbeth's phone to no avail.

Unable to get any information, she eventually entered the restroom while on the phone with a friend, hoping for assistance in the search. It was then that she discovered Lizbeth's foot in the bathtub.

Overcoming the shock, Jacqueline opened the curtains, revealing the devastating scene. Lizbeth, also known as Liz, was a junior at Edna High School with plans to pursue nursing studies at Arlington University

What did Lizbeth's mother say?

After the incident, Jacqueline, who had recently relocated from Grand Island, Nevada, to the town for a job in renewable energy, mentioned that she and her daughter were the sole key holders to the apartment.

Additionally, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from Lizbeth's friends.

She said, "I've received messages from hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people, And it amazes me because I didn't know how much she was loved by everybody else."

She added, "I just want everybody to know that that was an amazing child, she wasn't a normal teenager getting in trouble for doing crazy stuff. She was very mature for her age."

"She was a caring and loving person who, as far as I know and from the messages I received, she changed a lot of people's lives. I just want everybody to remember her that way and not the way that she was taken from me," she concluded, as per Daily Mail.