Lizbeth “Liz” Medina, a 16-year-old cheerleader from Edna High School, was found stabbed to death in her home at the Cottonwood Apartments in Edna, Texas, on December 5, 2023. The discovery was made by her mother, Jacqueline Medina, who had anticipated joining her daughter at a Christmas parade with the cheerleading squad. Lizbeth’s absence at the parade prompted Jacqueline to return home, where she discovered her daughter dead in the bathtub.
Jacqueline Medina had relocated from Nebraska to Texas for a career in renewable energy. She described Lizbeth as an extraordinary and mature young woman, known for her deep empathy. The mother and daughter were the sole occupants of the apartment and held the only keys. Jacqueline had left for work at 6 a.m., after awakening Lizbeth for cheerleading practice. The last known communication between Jacqueline and her daughter occurred around 7:30 a.m. that day.
Rafael Govea Romero, 23, an undocumented immigrant with an expired visa, was arrested in Schulenburg, Texas, on charges of capital murder in relation to Lizbeth’s death. The nature of Romero’s relationship with Medina and the specifics of the incident have not been revealed by the police. The Edna Police Department is conducting the investigation, receiving support from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers.
Earlier, a person of interest was identified, with surveillance footage showing a male individual potentially with a tattoo behind his right ear, wearing a black “Volcom” sweatshirt and driving a silver Ford Taurus from between 2010 and 2018. Romero’s subsequent arrest has brought new dimensions to the case. Police discovered items connected to the murder in the car.
The community of Edna has been profoundly impacted by Medina’s death. The Edna High School football team showed their support by wearing purple shirts and ribbons during their game on December 7th. A vigil and a candlelit memorial were organized to pay tribute to Lizbeth’s life and her impact on the community.
In response to this tragic event, the Medina family has started a GoFundMe campaign named “Justice for Lizbeth Medina.” The campaign aims to help them seek answers and justice. Lizbeth, known for her brightness and ambition, had aspirations to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to study nursing.
The autopsy report remains pending, and the police have not disclosed any suspects beyond Romero. They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, as they piece together the events leading to this alarming incident in the small town approximately 100 miles southwest of Houston.
