Jacqueline Medina embarked on a grueling 13-hour drive from Nevada to Texas to confront her daughter’s alleged murderer, Rafael Govea Romero, in court for the first time on February 6. The emotional hearing marked a pivotal moment for Medina, who sought to stand face-to-face with the man accused of brutally stabbing her 16-year-old daughter, Lizbeth Medina, in their Edna apartment on December 5, 2023. Romero, a 25-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, is accused of breaking into the apartment that morning while Lizbeth was getting ready for school and leaving her lifeless body in a bathtub. For Medina, attending the hearing was not just about seeking justice but also about making sure Romero understood the profound pain he had inflicted on her family. “I wanted him to look at me. I wanted him to see me … and let him know that I’m here, regardless of all the pain,” she shared after the hearing, emphasizing her family’s resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The courtroom encounter was deeply emotional for Medina, who had never seen Romero before. She described how she strategically sat behind him to make eye contact, hoping to convey the strength and resolve of her family. Romero, taller than she had expected, initially met her gaze but quickly looked away, displaying what Medina interpreted as shame. Reflecting on the encounter, she expressed anguish over the unfairness of the situation, questioning how her petite daughter could have stood a chance against a man of his size. “My daughter wasn’t that tall,” she lamented. “Just thinking that my daughter had to fight him—what could she have done?” The weight of these questions, coupled with the raw emotions of seeing Romero, left Medina physically shaken. She recounted how she began hyperventilating, crying uncontrollably, and struggling to breathe, illustrating the overwhelming grief that continues to grip her.
The hearing brought a glimmer of hope for Medina, as the judge ruled Romero competent to stand trial and set a tentative trial date for August. This decision eased some of the burden she had been carrying since learning in November that Romero’s defense might pursue an insanity plea—a possibility that had left her feeling defeated and doubtful about the justice system. However, the recent ruling has restored some of her faith, and she now feels more optimistic that “things are going in the right direction.” Medina attributes this renewed strength to the unwavering support of her family, community, and countless individuals who have rallied around them with prayers and love. She clutched a keychain with Lizbeth’s photo throughout the hearing, a symbol of her daughter’s enduring presence and the source of her strength.
Lizbeth Medina was more than just a victim; she was a vibrant high school cheerleader with ambitions to study nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that has left her family and community heartbroken. On the morning of December 5, 2023, Jacqueline had left for work as usual, expecting Lizbeth to follow her routine and head to school shortly after. But that day, Lizbeth never made it to school or the Christmas parade her cheer team was preparing for. When Jacqueline returned home that evening after repeated failed attempts to reach her daughter, she found Lizbeth’s lifeless body in the bathtub. The discovery shattered their world and set off a chain of events that continues to unfold in the courtroom.
Romero, the suspect, was arrested five days after Lizbeth’s murder in Schulenburg, Texas, about 60 miles from Edna. Investigations have revealed that he was on probation for a 2022 burglary in the same area, raising questions about how he was able to commit another crime while under supervision. Law enforcement believes Romero may have targeted the Medina family before, as their home was burglarized on November 13, 2023—about a month before the murder. Officers suspect Romero may have been stalking Lizbeth, leading to the tragic events of December 5. Despite pleas of not guilty from Romero, the evidence against him continues to mount, with prosecutors working tirelessly to build a case for capital murder.
The legal proceedings have further complicated the emotional landscape for Medina, who is advocating for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies. Romero’s defense team has filed motions to suppress evidence, arguing that his detention and the search of his apartment were conducted without proper cause. While these legal maneuvers play out, Medina remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, buoyed by the love and support of her community. She has become a vocal advocate for stricter immigration enforcement and greater accountability within the criminal justice system, hoping to ensure that no other family endures the pain hers has suffered. Through her immense grief, Jacqueline Medina has emerged as a powerful voice for justice, determined to honor Lizbeth’s memory and create meaningful change in her wake.
