Jacqueline Medina traveled 13 hours from Nevada to Texas to attend a court hearing on February 6, where she faced the man accused of murdering her daughter for the first time.
Rafael Govea Romero, a 25-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, has been charged with capital murder in the December 5, 2023, killing of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina. Authorities allege that Romero unlawfully entered Medina’s former residence in Edna, Texas, in the early morning while Lizbeth was preparing for school. He then fatally stabbed her, leaving her body in the apartment’s bathtub.
Following the hearing, Jacqueline Medina spoke with Fox News Digital and described the emotional experience of confronting Romero. She deliberately sat behind him, hoping he would acknowledge her presence. “I wanted him to see me … and let him know that I’m here, regardless of all the pain that he’s making me feel and put my family through,” she said. She emphasized her determination, stating, “We stand strong, and he’s not going to win.”
Medina recalled making direct eye contact with Romero, noting his tall stature and questioning whether her daughter had any chance of defending herself. “My daughter wasn’t that tall,” she said. “So, just thinking that my daughter had to fight him, what could she have done?” She described Romero’s reaction, saying that he quickly looked down and away, which she interpreted as a sign of shame and recognition of the pain he had caused.
During the hearing in Jackson County on February 6, a judge ruled that Romero is competent to stand trial and set a tentative trial date for August. Medina expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating it felt like a burden had been lifted.
The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the crime and the suspect’s immigration status. Medina has been vocal about seeking justice for her daughter and ensuring that Romero is held accountable.
