Tomball woman murdered while setting up for garage sale was raising money for wedding anniversary trip

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
A reward is being offered for information leading to arrest of suspect in murder of Elizabeth Barraza.
A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Elizabeth Barraza.

TOMBALL, Texas (KTRK) -- The family of a murdered Tomball woman is making a new plea for help to find her killer.



Elizabeth Barraza, 29, was shot multiple times at point-blank range, while standing in the driveway of her home in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk Drive around 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 25.



Surveillance video captures the moment someone walked up to Barraza as she was setting up for a garage sale and shot her four times.



The shooter then turns and runs off to a black truck and drives away.



During a press conference Wednesday morning, authorities said they believe the truck is an older model, four-door, Nissan Frontier. It may have some type of badge or tag number in the rear quarter panel near the tailgate.



No arrests have been made. Investigators still can't say if the shooter is a man or a woman.



The surveillance video also shows Barraza's husband leaving the home around 6:48 a.m. and the shooter's truck pulling up at 6:52 a.m.



Authorities say the Barrazas didn't publicize the garage sale and only put up signs about it that morning.



According to her father, Robert Nuelle, Barraza was trying to sell a few items to make extra spending money for her fifth wedding anniversary trip. She and her husband had planned to leave that Sunday, two days after she was killed.



"A coward forever changed our lives (and) shot an unarmed and defenseless woman," Nuelle said. "The murderer needs to pay for their actions. We believe someone can help guide law enforcement. Please come forward."



Last week, Barraza's family held a vigil honoring her love for Star Wars and Harry Potter.



People who attended were asked to bring wands and lightsabers.



RELATED: Vigil held for 'Star Wars' fan killed in front of her Tomball home



"I'm glad the last thing I got to do was kiss her goodbye and tell her I love her," Barraza's husband, Sergio, said.



The Barrazas volunteered for a group that works with Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish says they're shocked and saddened by the news.



Sergio spoke Wednesday, saying that his wife died in the same hospital where they did so much volunteer work.



"I had to trade our fifth wedding anniversary for her funeral," Sergio said. "We need justice for Liz."





Surveillance video shows a suspect walking up to the woman and shooting her four times


A Crime Stoppers reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest. If you know anything, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.



Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says Barraza's fellow Star Wars enthusiasts contributed to the reward.



The motive of the shooting is still under investigation.





ORIGINAL STORY: Woman shot multiple times while setting up garage sale dies, authorities say



Surveillance video shows moments before woman shot outside her home in Tomball



Woman shot in front yard as she set up garage sale.


Follow Stefania Okolie on Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.