Suspect accused of murdering Edna cheerleader expected to take plea deal, court officials say
JACKSON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The man who has been charged with capital murder in the 2023 death of a 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina in Jackson County nearly two years ago is expected to take a plea deal, according to the district county clerk.
On Dec. 5, Lizbeth's mother said she found her daughter stabbed inside a bathtub at their Edna apartment after the cheerleader didn't arrive at a Christmas parade with the rest of her squad.
INITIAL REPORT: Mother makes gruesome discovery after 16-year-old daughter allegedly murdered in their apartment
A few days after Medina was found, the then 23-year-old suspect, Rafael Romero, was charged with her murder.
Court documents reveal he confessed to the crime and had exhibited "stalking-like behavior" leading up to the murder.
Documents also said that one day before the teen was found, a surveillance camera caught someone driving through the Cottonwood Apartments in a silver car around 10 p.m.
A month before the murder, on Nov. 13, there was a burglary at the same apartment, to which officials said they believed Romero was connected.
RELATED: Man accused of killing 16-year-old Edna cheerleader showed 'stalking-like behavior,' affidavit says
At the time of the murder, Edna police say Romero was undocumented with an expired visa.
Officials said Romero's court hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m.
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