Jacqueline Medina, the mother of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina who was murdered by an illegal immigrant in Texas in December 2023, expressed her relief and hope after Donald Trump’s victory in the recent presidential election. She believes stricter laws and policies under Trump’s administration may help protect children and families from similar tragedies in the future. Lizbeth was found dead with a stab wound in their apartment after failing to show up for school and a Christmas parade. The suspect, Rafael Govea Romero, was arrested and charged with capital murder.
Medina emphasized that while new policies won’t bring back her daughter, she hopes they will prevent another child from suffering the same fate. She acknowledged the devastating impact Lizbeth’s murder has had on her life and the difficulty she faces in moving forward without her daughter. Despite the ongoing struggle, Medina is determined to seek justice for Lizbeth and keep her memory alive by raising funds for a scholarship fund and child advocacy in her name. She wants Lizbeth to be remembered for the kind and accomplished person she was, rather than the tragic circumstances of her death.
Rafael Govea Romero, the murder suspect, had a criminal history in Texas and was on probation for a burglary at the time of Lizbeth’s death. Authorities suspect that Romero may have been involved in a previous burglary at Lizbeth’s home, indicating a possible connection between him and the teenager before her murder. Medina expressed her belief that Romero may have stalked Lizbeth before the attack. Despite not knowing Romero personally, the tragic events surrounding Lizbeth’s murder have led Medina to advocate for stricter laws and policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Medina shared her ongoing struggle to cope with the loss of her daughter, emphasizing that Lizbeth was her entire world. She continues to seek justice for her daughter while channeling her grief into positive initiatives like the scholarship fund and advocacy efforts in Lizbeth’s name. Medina’s hope is that by sharing Lizbeth’s story and advocating for change, she can prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. The upcoming trial of Romero in December will be a significant milestone in seeking justice for Lizbeth and holding her killer accountable.
As the trial for Jose Ibarra, another illegal immigrant suspect in the murder of Georgia college student Laken Riley, begins, Medina expressed solidarity with Riley’s family and emphasized the importance of seeking justice for victims of violent crimes. She plans to follow Ibarra’s trial closely and keep Riley’s family in her thoughts, highlighting the impact of such tragedies on families and communities. Through her advocacy efforts and determination to seek justice for her daughter, Medina is committed to ensuring that Lizbeth’s memory lives on as a symbol of hope and change in the face of tragedy.
