TOMBALL, Texas – Family members, Crime Stoppers of Houston, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division held a news conference Thursday as they continue to search for the suspected shooter accused of killing Elizabeth Barraza five years ago.
Barraza was shot multiple times in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk Drive in Harris County on Jan. 25, 2019, while she was in her driveway preparing for a garage sale. According to her family, she was trying to save for an anniversary trip.
In the news conference, Barraza’s father Bob Nuelle spoke, saying he’s made the plea for a suspect to come forward too many times.
“The message we want to put out is really, really simple: This was a great young woman. This was a person dedicated to helping others,” Nuelle said. “And some monster coward walked up in cold blood and shot her four times.”
Nelly said he wants the suspect off the street, “because I don’t want any other family to go through what we’ve gone through.”
“For five years, every night wondering. For five years, following up every opportunity to speak with the media. For five years, cooperating with law enforcement and Crime Stoppers. It’s hurtful,” Nuelle said. “There’s no way that we could ever recover from what’s happened. The only thing we can do is be constant and consistent in our support for law enforcement and, I will let you know that they may have killed my daughter. They may have taken her from us. But they didn’t stop the good that she stood for.”
Authorities said that an unknown suspect had approached Barraza and opened fire. That unknown suspect is believed to be a female.
Investigators said the suspect who shot Barraza fled in a dark-colored Nissan Frontier pickup truck.
Barraza was transported to a local hospital, where she later died as a result of her injuries.
Crime Stoppers may pay up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
Here’s what happened on the morning of Jan. 25, 2019
Friday, Jan. 25
- Elizabeth Barraza, 29, went to Starbucks before setting up for her garage sale.
- Barraza was seen on surveillance video setting up her driveway for the garage sale.
- Her husband, Sergio, leaves for work shortly after.
- Just before 7 a.m., a black pickup truck is seen pulling up and a suspect, who appears to be a woman, gets out of the vehicle and walks up to Barraza.
#BREAKING: A woman was setting up for a garage sale in Tomball when another woman drove up and shot her multiple times, according to @Pct4Constable. The shooter is on the run. @KPRC2 #kprc2 pic.twitter.com/E0WlYhKwEq
— KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) January 25, 2019
- The woman pulls something out of her jacket and shoots Barraza three times.
- The suspect stands over Barraza and shoots another time.
- The suspect runs back to her black pickup truck and drives off.
- A neighbor from across the street calls 911. Said they heard four gunshots and saw a black vehicle leave the scene.
- Police responded to the home in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk Drive near Princeton Place Drive.
The Precinct 4 Constable’s office is on a shooting scene in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk Dr. A female has been shot and Life Flight has been dispatched. The suspect fled the scene in a black truck. Investigation is underway, avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/PZOJbfdS29
— Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 (@Pct4Constable) January 25, 2019
- Barraza is transported to the hospital in critical condition.
- Deputies questioned her husband.
Saturday, Jan. 26
- Barraza was pronounced dead at the hospital.
- Surveillance video was released to the public showing the traumatic attack.
RELATED: Woman gunned down while setting up for garage sale dies; suspect sought
Friday, Feb. 1
- The family of Barraza held a news conference calling for Justice for their loved one. Over 100 of Barraza’s family and friends were present.
- The family set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money for a reward in hopes of finding the shooter.
- They also sold shirts that said “Justice For Liz, May the Force Be With You. Always.”
RELATED: Family remembers ‘Star Wars’-loving woman killed in garage sale shooting
Saturday, Feb. 2
- Private Celebration of Life held for Barraza.
Sunday, Feb. 6
- Crime Stoppers of Houston announces a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter.
RELATED: ‘I love you, Liz:’ Garage sale shooting victim was about to celebrate 5th anniversary
Jan. 25, 2021
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Wallace Wyatt spoke with KPRC 2 about the shooting, specifically about the newly released surveillance video.
- The new video came from a neighbor’s nest doorbell camera, which showed the suspect drive past the house, turn around, come back, and park their vehicle. The suspect then gets out to approach Barraza, while in boots, a nightgown dress, or a muumuu and possibly wearing a wig.
RELATED: ‘I hope you can’t sleep at night’: Deputy in garage sale deadly shooting case speaks out
Jan. 25, 2022
- Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in Barraza’s shooting.
- Harris County Detective Wyatt said Barraza’s case is not a cold case and it’s still active. He confirmed he was in Miami, Florida interviewing a person of interest.
RELATED: $50K offered to catch suspect who killed woman setting up garage sale 3 years ago
Dec. 2023
- Texas Rangers, the FBI and the Texas Anti-Gang Unit join Barraza’s case.
- Detectives confirmed they had gathered new leads but did not go into detail.