A 16-year-old cheerleader from Edna High School, Lizbeth “Liz” Medina, was found dead in her apartment at the Cottonwood Apartments in Edna, Texas, on December 5, 2023. The discovery was made by her mother, Jacqueline Medina, who had expected to see her daughter at a Christmas parade with her cheerleading team. When Lizbeth did not appear at the event, Jacqueline’s concern led her back home, where she found her daughter dead in the bathtub.
Jacqueline Medina, who had moved from Nebraska to Texas for a job in renewable energy, described her daughter as an exceptional and mature teenager, deeply caring. The pair were the only occupants of the apartment and the only ones with keys. Jacqueline had left for work at her usual time, 6 a.m., after waking Lizbeth for cheer practice. The last known communication with her daughter was around 7:30 a.m. that day.
An undocumented immigrant, Rafael Govea Romero, was arrested in Schulenburg, Texas, on December 10 and charged with capital murder in connection with Lizbeth’s death. Romero’s relationship with Medina or the specifics of the attack have not been detailed by the police. The Edna Police Department, aided by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers, is leading the ongoing investigation.
Earlier reports had identified a person of interest and released security footage of a male individual potentially with a tattoo behind his right ear, last seen wearing a black “Volcom” hooded sweatshirt and driving a silver 2010-2018 Ford Taurus. However, the arrest of Romero followed, further intensifying the case’s complexity.
The Edna community has been shaken by Medina’s death. In a show of solidarity and remembrance, the Edna High School football team wore purple shirts and ribbons for their December 7th game. A vigil and a candlelit memorial were planned to honor Lizbeth’s life and impact, reflecting the grief and support of the community.
The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign, titled “Justice for Lizbeth Medina,” aiming to support their quest for answers and justice in this devastating case. Lizbeth, described as a bright and ambitious student, had aspirations of attending 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.