EDNA, Texas – With his hands cuffed behind his back, Rafael Romero made his way into the Jackson County Jail.
He is accused of killing 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina. Romero’s arrest is a relief to Medina’s family.
KPRC 2 spoke with the cheerleader’s mother this week. Jacqueline Medina said she found her daughter’s body in a bathtub on Tuesday night after she never showed up to a Christmas parade.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect her,” said Jacqueline Medina.
Police responded to their home at the Cottonwood Apartments. How Medina died, is a mystery. At this time, its unclear if Romero knew the beloved cheerleader.
On Friday, police released surveillance photos of the suspect, showing him running across a street in a hoodie and a silver car. The next night, the community, and Medina’s family held a vigil hoping for answers.
“She loved being here, she loved this community. I saw her on Thanksgiving, and she told me, Tia, I love Edna it’s so fun. I love the high school, I have a lot of friends,” said Ana Medina, Lizbeth’s Aunt.
By that night, Romero was arrested in Schulenburg, where police say he lives. The city is about an hour away from Edna. Records show Romero was arrested in Schulenburg last year on a burglary charge. He pleaded no contest.
Medina’s mother said their home was broken into a couple weeks ago, but she did not believe it was connected to her daughter’s death.
“They had taken just small things, things that I would call petty stuff because it wasn’t even worth anything,” said Jacqueline Medina.
Following Romero’s arrest, Medina’s mother posted on social media saying that their prayers had been answered. Edna Police said they were able to arrest Romero with the help from the community, Medina’s family, friends, and the Texas Rangers.
Romero’s bond has been set at $2 million.