Texas: Illegal Immigrant Arrested Following Death of 16-Year-Old Cheerleader

Texas police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina, whose lifeless body was discovered in her apartment on December 5.

The Edna Police Department identified the suspect as Rafael Govea Romero, described as an "undocumented male." Authorities believe he is responsible for Medina's death.

The Edna Police Department, along with Texas Rangers, announced Romero's arrest in Schulenburg for Capital Murder in a Sunday press release.

"Edna Police Department and Texas Rangers immediately traveled to Schulenburg where Romero was placed under arrest for Capital Murder and transported to Jackson County Jail," the department stated.

The suspect was then transported to the Jackson County Jail. In a press release, the department expressed condolences to the Texas cheerleader's family and emphasized the need for community support during this difficult time.

Lizbeth's mother, Jacqueline Medina, when asked about recognizing the suspect, told Fox News Digital, "Not at all," and is awaiting further information from the police.

Arrest Follows Vigil for Lizbeth Medina

Romero's apprehension occurred a day after the Edna Police Department released security photos of a person and vehicle of interest in the homicide case.

The individual in question was described as possibly having a tattoo behind his right ear and was seen wearing a black Volcom hooded sweatshirt.

The person of interest was also observed driving a silver Ford Taurus, with model years ranging from 2010 to 2018.

Romero, the Texas illegal immigrant, was taken into custody during a candlelight vigil for the Texas cheerleader held by classmates and community residents at a gazebo outside the Jackson County Courthouse in Edna on Saturday evening, according to ABC News.

Police have not disclosed whether there was any prior relationship between Lizbeth and Romero or if the attack was random.

Tragic Loss of Texas Cheerleader

Lizbeth Medina, cheerleader at Edna High School in Texas, was discovered unresponsive on Tuesday, identified as a victim of capital murder, per PEOPLE.

Her mother found her in the bathtub, and the circumstances surrounding Lizbeth's death have not been disclosed by the police.

A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Lizbeth's aunt, Ana Medina, aims to raise funds for the grieving family. Ana described Lizbeth as loved and deeply missed by her family.

The family suspects Lizbeth may have been killed before school that day, as she was found in her pajamas.

Lizbeth and her mother had recently moved to Texas from Nebraska a year and a half prior. The community honored Lizbeth at her school's football game, where the cheerleading squad and her family wore purple, her favorite color.

Jacqueline Medina, expressing her grief, stated, "You took an angel from me, and not only from me, from a lot of people who loved her."

The family urged the public to report any misinformation circulating on social media that could interfere with the police investigation, HuffPost noted.

In a Facebook video, Jacqueline mentioned a specific TikTok video spreading misinformation about her daughter, emphasizing the emotional toll on her as a mother.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Suspect arrested after 16-year-old Texas cheerleader found dead in bathtub - From ABC 7 Chicago