Suspect arrested in Medina murder

By Jessica Coleman

Contributing Writer

After five excruciating days, Edna Police say they have the man responsible for the death of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina in custody.

Rafael Govea Romero was apprehended by Edna Police and Texas Rangers in Schulenberg late Saturday.

“On Saturday, December 9, 2023, with the help of the community, friends, and family, Edna Police, in conjunction with the Texas Rangers, were able to apprehend the person responsible for the death of Lizbeth Medina,” a release on the Edna Police Department Facebook page read.

Romero, who police say is undocumented, was arrested for Capital Murder and taken to the Jackson County Jail, just hours after a vigil in Medina’s honor was held on the courthouse lawn.

Lizbeth Medina, known to friends and family as Liz or Lizzo, was a Junior at Edna High School, and an Edna Cowboys Cheerleader. She was found dead in her home on Tuesday by her mother, Jacqui Medina after she did not show up to the Lighted Christmas Parade. The days that followed found a community in mourning and on edge as police investigated the case and searched for a suspect.

“Although Romero is apprehended, we recognize Lizbeth’s Family and friends are grieving and will still need support from the community,” the post read. “The citizens of Edna can now sleep in peace.”