Murder probe as Texas teen found dead at home after failing to show at Christmas parade
The Medina family became concerned when their 16-year-old daughter missed the Christmas parade.
A teenage cheerleader was found dead at her home after failing to turn up for a Christmas parade, sparking a murder investigation.
In the devastating turn of events, Texas mom Jacqueline Medina discovered the lifeless body of her daughter, Lizbeth Medina, inside their apartment on December 5.
The 16-year-old Edna High School cheerleader failed to show up at the parade earlier in the day, causing immediate concern.
Emergency responders were called to the apartment at 6.57pm but pronounced Lizbeth dead at the scene. The Edna Police Department is investigating the case as a capital murder.
Jacqueline shared her anguish with KAVU-TV's Crossroads Today. She said: "Once I found her, I realized she was gone. Words can’t explain what I felt at that moment finding my daughter in the matter that she was. All I can say is that I hope with all my heart that there is justice for my daughter."
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The grieving mother strongly believes her daughter was murdered. She also debunked online rumors about a suspect already in custody, stating that such misinformation was detrimental to the ongoing investigation.
Describing the circumstances surrounding Lizbeth's death, Jacqueline mentioned a break-in at their Cottonwood Apartments unit a couple of weeks prior.
She believes it is connected to her daughter's tragic fate.
While investigators have not disclosed details about the crime scene or signs of struggle, Jacqueline urged the community's support in finding the perpetrator. "I want the murderer of my daughter to be found and caught and put behind bars," she said.
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Remembering Lizbeth as a "special little girl, loving, kind, and bighearted," Jacqueline and her daughter had only recently moved to the small Texas city, located 100 miles southwest of Houston.
The Edna Police Department, working in collaboration with the Texas Rangers, issued an update on Thursday.
Chief of Police Rick Boone requested the community's prayers for the grieving family and cautioned against spreading unverified information.
To support Lizbeth Medina's family, her aunt initiated a GoFundMe campaign, seeking assistance from the community for justice and to provide much-needed support during this difficult time.
Support the Medina family with a donation here.
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