The aunt of a Texas teenager allegedly killed by an unlawful immigrant with a prison historical past is asking for stricter legal guidelines to cease offenders from being given a “lengthy leash” with probation.
Rafael Govea Romero, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, is accused of stalking after which stabbing to dying 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina within the Edna residence that she shared together with her mom in December 2023.
Romero was reportedly on probation for a housebreaking in Schulenburg, Texas, about 60 miles from Edna, in 2022. Edna police imagine Romero might also be tied to a housebreaking that occurred at Lizbeth’s residence a couple of month earlier than her killing.
![Rafael Govea Romero and Lizbeth Medina](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/collage-3-1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Rafael Govea Romero, an “undocumented male” whom officers imagine is “the individual accountable for the dying of Lizbeth Medina,” was arraigned Thursday on capital homicide fees on the Jackson County Courthouse. (Edna Police Division/ Edna Police Division)
“Why was he allowed on a protracted leash whereas others with lesser offenses will not be given second possibilities?,” Ana Medina requested on “America’s Newsroom” Thursday.
“Felony histories must be not be given any leniency. Anybody on probation should not be let unfastened on a unfastened leash, they need to be tight. They need to be not given second possibilities if it is a extra ordinary felony.”
A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed Fox News Digital that ICE Enforcement and Elimination Operations (ERO) Houston lodged an immigration detainer with the Jackson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Workplace on Romero following his arrest.
“We’re specializing in felonies,” Ana continued. “I do, nevertheless, spotlight the necessity of stricter legal guidelines and penalties for many who do are likely to have violent tendencies.”
Ana’s sister, Jacqueline Medina, had left the residence she shared with Lizbeth early on Dec. 5 for work. Her daughter usually left for college afterward, however that day she neither made it to highschool nor the Christmas parade that her cheer crew was imagined to be practising for. Later that night, Jacqueline discovered her daughter lifeless of their bathtub.
Jacqueline has stated neither she nor her daughter knew Romero however famous that their home had been burglarized on Nov. 13, a couple of month earlier than {the teenager}’s homicide. Police have been in a position to find the suspect due to cellphone knowledge and different proof tying him to the crime scene.
“It has been very exhausting for us and household,” Ana stated. “Every single day that simply passes by, is more durable to bear. However I am right here as we speak standing up for justice for her and beside my sister, like I informed her since day one.”
Romero pleaded not guilty at a listening to on Thursday.
“He entered a plea of not responsible. We look ahead to his trial to defend his case. He’s harmless,” stated Romero’s protection legal professional, Chris Iles, after the suspect was arraigned in Jackson County Court docket.
Fox Information’ Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
The aunt of a Texas teenager allegedly killed by an unlawful immigrant with a prison historical past is asking for stricter legal guidelines to cease offenders from being given a “lengthy leash” with probation.
Rafael Govea Romero, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, is accused of stalking after which stabbing to dying 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina within the Edna residence that she shared together with her mom in December 2023.
Romero was reportedly on probation for a housebreaking in Schulenburg, Texas, about 60 miles from Edna, in 2022. Edna police imagine Romero might also be tied to a housebreaking that occurred at Lizbeth’s residence a couple of month earlier than her killing.
![Rafael Govea Romero and Lizbeth Medina](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/collage-3-1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Rafael Govea Romero, an “undocumented male” whom officers imagine is “the individual accountable for the dying of Lizbeth Medina,” was arraigned Thursday on capital homicide fees on the Jackson County Courthouse. (Edna Police Division/ Edna Police Division)
“Why was he allowed on a protracted leash whereas others with lesser offenses will not be given second possibilities?,” Ana Medina requested on “America’s Newsroom” Thursday.
“Felony histories must be not be given any leniency. Anybody on probation should not be let unfastened on a unfastened leash, they need to be tight. They need to be not given second possibilities if it is a extra ordinary felony.”
A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed Fox News Digital that ICE Enforcement and Elimination Operations (ERO) Houston lodged an immigration detainer with the Jackson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Workplace on Romero following his arrest.
“We’re specializing in felonies,” Ana continued. “I do, nevertheless, spotlight the necessity of stricter legal guidelines and penalties for many who do are likely to have violent tendencies.”
Ana’s sister, Jacqueline Medina, had left the residence she shared with Lizbeth early on Dec. 5 for work. Her daughter usually left for college afterward, however that day she neither made it to highschool nor the Christmas parade that her cheer crew was imagined to be practising for. Later that night, Jacqueline discovered her daughter lifeless of their bathtub.
Jacqueline has stated neither she nor her daughter knew Romero however famous that their home had been burglarized on Nov. 13, a couple of month earlier than {the teenager}’s homicide. Police have been in a position to find the suspect due to cellphone knowledge and different proof tying him to the crime scene.
“It has been very exhausting for us and household,” Ana stated. “Every single day that simply passes by, is more durable to bear. However I am right here as we speak standing up for justice for her and beside my sister, like I informed her since day one.”
Romero pleaded not guilty at a listening to on Thursday.
“He entered a plea of not responsible. We look ahead to his trial to defend his case. He’s harmless,” stated Romero’s protection legal professional, Chris Iles, after the suspect was arraigned in Jackson County Court docket.
Fox Information’ Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.