Edna, Texas – The aunt of a Texas teenager allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant is advocating for stricter laws to prevent offenders from receiving lenient treatment. Rafael Govea Romero, a 24-year-old undocumented male from Mexico, is accused of stalking and fatally stabbing 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina in their Edna apartment in December 2023. Romero, who had prior run-ins with the law, was on probation for burglary in Schulenburg, Texas, about 60 miles from Edna.
Edna police suspect Romero of potentially being involved in a burglary at Lizbeth’s home a month before her tragic death. Immigration authorities have imposed an immigration detainer on Romero following his arrest by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston officers.
Lizbeth’s aunt, Ana Medina, expressed her frustration with the justice system, questioning why someone with a criminal history like Romero was allowed the freedom of probation. She emphasized the need for harsher penalties for individuals with violent tendencies and histories of criminal behavior.
Ana’s sister, Jacqueline Medina, made a heartbreaking discovery when she found her daughter dead in their bathtub after returning from work. The teenager went missing on the day of her murder, failing to attend school or a Christmas parade rehearsal, prompting concerns among her family.
Despite pleading not guilty at his hearing, Romero’s defense attorney, Chris Iles, asserts his client’s innocence and looks forward to defending his case in court. Jacqueline noted that she and her daughter had no prior acquaintance with Romero, but evidence from the crime scene linked him to the burglary that occurred at their residence earlier in November.
The tragic loss has left the family devastated, with Ana advocating for justice for Lizbeth and supporting her sister through the difficult ordeal. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to bring clarity and closure to the brutal incident that has shaken the community.