A Jackson County judge has accepted a guilty plea from Rafael Romero in the murder of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina, a beloved Edna cheerleader.
Romero now faces two life sentences for murder and aggravated robbery, plus a 20-year sentence for burglary to be served consecutively.
The verdict brings some closure to Medina’s family, though emotions ran high in the courtroom. Cameras were not allowed, but Lizbeth’s mother, Jacqueline Medina, read an emotional impact statement through tears. She spoke with KPRC 2 news reporter Corley Peel after the hearing.
“It’s something we’ve been waiting for over a year. Hearing those words—‘guilty’—that’s what we needed to hear,” she said.
Medina was found stabbed to death in her bathtub after missing a Christmas parade in December 2023. Investigators say Romero stalked her and broke into their apartment weeks before the murder. Neither Medina nor her family had any prior contact with Romero.
Jacqueline Medina expressed frustration that the case was reduced from capital murder to murder, saying she had hoped for a harsher sentence.
“The best option would have been life in prison without parole or the death sentence,” she said. “But they have decided, and there’s really nothing else we can do.”
Medina shared a social media post from lead prosecutor Stephen Tyler, who defended the decision not to pursue the death penalty, citing the high costs of capital cases.
When asked about the county’s ability to prosecute a capital case, District Attorney Pam Guenther told Corley that finances were not the issue. She also apologized for Tyler’s comments.
“My daughter’s value is way more than that,” Medina said.
Romero could be eligible for parole after 30 years, but Medina hopes he never sees freedom again.
“My only hope and prayers are that he will stay there, and if he stays the rest of his life in prison, that’s in God’s hands now,” she said.
The DA’s office adds that Romero has an unrelated burglary charge in Fayette County for which he is awaiting trial.
Following the sentence, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office sent the following press release:
“On September 25, 2023, Rafael Govea Romero pled guilty and was sentenced for the murder of Lizbeth Iniguez Medina on December 5, 2023. Romero was sentenced to life in prison for murder, life in prison for aggravated robbery, and a 20-year sentence for the prior burglary of the victim’s habitation.
“That 20-year sentence is to be served after those life sentences. Each plea includes a waiver of all rights to appeal. This was the only offer ever discussed or conveyed; it was discussed with all parties for over six months. The Jackson County Criminal District Attorney’s Office takes all crime seriously, particularly crimes against persons, and especially murder.
“Any media reports to the contrary were, at best, premature. On behalf of all law enforcement and Jackson County, the Criminal District Attorney’s Office extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to Lizbeth and her family, as well as to all victims and victims’ families, while continuing to pursue justice for victims and the State of Texas. We would like to thank and recognize our law enforcement partners who made the successful prosecution of this murder, robbery, and burglary possible.
“Those partners include the Edna Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County jail staff, Company F of the Ranger Service, the DPS criminal analyst, the DPS Forensic Laboratories, and TDCJ‑ID‑OIG."