Seeking Justice for Liz Barraza

In the quiet town of Tomball, Texas, a close-knit community was forever changed on a fateful morning in January 2019. Elizabeth Barraza, affectionately known as Liz to her friends and family, was setting up for an early morning garage sale at her home when her life was tragically cut short. Her murder, captured on multiple Ring cameras, sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. To this day, her family is diligently searching for answers, and her story is a haunting reminder of the importance of finding justice for the victims.

Liz was not just any ordinary person; she was an individual filled with passion and kindness. She shared her love for sci-fi and the magical world of Harry Potter with her husband, Sergio. In celebration of their upcoming fifth wedding anniversary, Liz was lovingly planning a fun-filled vacation to the new Harry Potter World in Orlando. To offset some of the expenses, the couple decided to host a garage sale on that ill-fated morning. Her interests extended beyond books and movies; Liz was a Star Wars enthusiast.

When she wasn't working as a data reporter, her creative spirit shone through in her elaborate costume-making for herself and Sergio. They enjoyed cosplaying at theme parks and conventions, immersing themselves in the fantasy worlds they cherished. What made Liz's hobby even more remarkable was her commitment to using these costumes for a greater purpose. She volunteered with the 501st Legion, a group of individuals who donate Star Wars costumes to visit children in hospitals in the Houston area, bringing a bit of magic to those who needed it most.

The morning of January 25, 2019, began like any other day. Sergio left for work, and Liz started setting up for the garage sale. However, within minutes, tragedy struck. At 6:52 am, a neighbor's surveillance camera captured a dark-colored Nissan Frontier Pro 4X Crew Cab pulling up in front of the Barraza home. An unknown individual, wearing long hair or a wig and what appeared to be a robe, approached Liz. A brief conversation was captured by a doorbell camera before four gunshots rang out, and the assailant hastily retreated to their vehicle, fleeing the scene.

Disturbingly, the shooter's vehicle was later seen on a neighbor's Ring camera, returning to Liz's home, seemingly to ensure that she had not survived. An ambulance was called, and Liz was rushed to the hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries the following morning. Her untimely death at the same hospital where she had volunteered as a beloved figure in the community was a devastating blow.

At just 29 years old at the time of her murder, Liz's story took an unexpected turn in death. As an organ donor, she went on to save the lives of four individuals, leaving a lasting legacy even in the face of senseless violence. The case remains unsolved, and Liz's family continues their relentless search for answers. In their pursuit of justice, they announced an increased reward of $50,000, hoping that someone in the public will come forward with information to help solve the case. The image of the unidentified assailant, captured on multiple cameras, looms large, a chilling reminder that justice has yet to be served. Liz's tragic story is a testament to the strength of community and the unwavering love of her family. Her case serves as a stark reminder that even in the face of darkness, there is hope for justice, and for Liz's family, that hope is a driving force. If you have any information that could shed light on the unresolved case of Elizabeth Barraza, please contact Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).