A 16-year-old high school cheerleader was found dead in the bathtub in her house at Cottonwood Apartments in Edna, Texas, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. 

The Edna Police Department, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers, is investigating the incident as a capital murder case.

Jacqueline Medina, the victim’s mother, had expected to see her daughter, Lizbeth “Liz” Medina, at a Christmas parade with her cheerleading team. When Lizbeth was nowhere to be seen at the event, Jacqueline’s concern heightened, leading her back home, where she found her daughter dead in the bathtub.

Jacqueline Medina, who had relocated from Nebraska to Texas for a job in renewable energy, described her daughter as an exceptional teenager, mature beyond her years and deeply caring. The pair were the sole occupants of the apartment and the only ones with keys.

Earlier on Tuesday, Jacqueline had left for work at her usual time, 6 a.m., after waking Lizbeth for cheer practice. The last known communication with her daughter occurred around 7:30 a.m. that day. Friends and family assumed her phone had died when she did not respond to calls or messages.

Lizbeth’s aunt, Ana Medina, relayed that the teen was found in her pajamas, leading to speculation that she was killed before she went to school.

In a show of solidarity and remembrance, the Edna High School football team donned purple shirts and ribbons for their December 7th game. Plans for a vigil and a candlelit memorial have been announced, with the aim of honoring Lizbeth’s life and impact.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not released specific details regarding the circumstances of Lizbeth’s death. No suspects have been arrested, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. 

The Medina family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign, “Justice for Lizbeth Medina,” to support their quest for answers and justice.