TX - Elizabeth Barraza, 29, murdered setting up garage sale, Harris Co, Jan 2019 #3

[JayLee#99]

I’m happy to see more interest in Liz’s case. This is one of those cases that has stuck with me since I heard about it a couple years ago. I think about her daily and get frustrated that justice hasn’t been served. Let’s keep her case on page 1!

 

[MimosaMornings]

Was Liz more passionate about Star Wars cosplay/501 group than her husband? Or was it a mutual desire for both of them? The costumes, volunteering, anniversary trip, etc. <modsnip>

 

[Satchie]

My theory is that this is some kind of long distance online relationship gone bad.

I am not saying infidelity. This could have just been someone she played online with, maybe communicated through an online game chat (thus why no motive can be found through traditional methods such as text message/call history). This is also why her close circle of friends/family wouldn’t know of anyone who would want to hurt her.

At some point, the person she was talking to/playing with, may have had a spouse (suspect) who found out that her significant other was engaging online with another female (the victim), and took it out of proportion.

The suspect, at this point, is infuriated. They find out more information about the victim, her name, address, etc., and decides to take matters into their own hands. If the suspect lived a state away, it would only take a few days to carry out the murder and get back home.

So IMO this theory would explain why the suspect was so brazen with carrying out the murder. They didn’t really “care” who saw them, so long as they weren’t right in front of the victim’s doorbell camera (they could have seen the ring camera the night before when they scoped out the house, as they are pretty big and easy to see). By the time the suspect committed the murder, and took off in the truck, they would be long gone and back on the highway before dispatch could even get the call information entered, let alone put out a BOLO for the vehicle. If a neighbor happened to see them, would it matter as much if the suspect lived in another state? (If the suspect was wearing a disguise it would matter even less).

This theory would also explain why nobody locally can identify the truck, or at least if someone has identified this type of truck, it hasn’t gotten LE any leads.

It also explains why the murder seems to be so personal and emotionally driven, yet at the same time, it doesn’t seem like the victim has any idea (at first) who the suspect is.

The brief conversation before the gunshots could have been something along the lines of:


Victim: “Good Morning”

Suspect: Are you (insert name here)

Suspect: (Shows victim note that perhaps has the victim’s online username written on it to confirm that its her)

Suspect: “You know you’ve been talking to a married man/talking to my husband right”?

Victim: “Thats’s not true” (or she may have be silent at this point, maybe trying to deny, or maybe just too shocked at this point)

The suspect then shoots her.

This could also be why detectives had a POI who was located in Miami.

The victim’s husband being responsible doesn’t sit well with me. Reason being, if he and the suspect were working together to commit murder, in my mind, there would have been much more effective methods of doing it.

The million dollar question is, well how did the suspect know that the victim would be having a garage sale? Maybe the suspect didn’t know, and they were just waiting for the victim to leave for work. Maybe they were going to follow her to work and do it there. Maybe they were even bold enough to just go and knock on the door. Maybe they didn’t think that far into it, and just got lucky. While I do admit that showing up at that particular moment does seem coincidental, I don’t think it’s enough to say that the suspect knew for certain that the victim would be outside at that particular moment. If the suspect was willing to murder in the middle of a neighborhood, they were determined, and the time/place probably didn’t matter too much to them, as long as they could make a quick getaway.

A variation of this theory, is that instead of the suspect being a significant other, they could have been the person that the victim was directly involved with in the online relationship, and somehow the victim offended them. Perhaps the suspect was upset that the victim decided to end the relationship or cease communication, and thus carried out the murder. Maybe the suspect thought that something more would come from the relationship.

Sorry if all of this has been said before.

I agree that it may well be someone who came from outside the area to target her, and that's why the investigation has stalled.

However, I think there are many potential reasons why someone might do that. It seems less plausible to me that there would have been an online relationship involving Elizabeth, since those can so easily be terminated without killing anyone, and Elizabeth would have left an online history for police to follow.

I question: why did the person choose to shoot her outside. If they knew her at all well, IMO they'd arrange to get invited inside, and kill her where there wouldn't be any witnesses, sound would be muffled, etc.

To me, that says they didn't know her well enough to get into her home.

But, I do think this was targeted, every action of the perp seems very purposeful, nothing about it says random. IMO, they knew it was her, even in the twilight, and they had come, armed and prepared to kill her.

Personally, I think the search for motive isn't the best starting point for police, but rather searching for evidence such as what kind of gun, how common, can the purchase be investigated, or images of the truck and how far from the home can it be tracked, arriving, departing, arriving back, departing again, is it at least a Texas plate. Cellphone activity in the area, police will spend months going through tower dumps. Follow every potential lead.

IMO this is solveable, because it doesn't seem random.

JMO

 

[MimosaMornings]

I agree that it may well be someone who came from outside the area to target her, and that's why the investigation has stalled.

However, I think there are many potential reasons why someone might do that. It seems less plausible to me that there would have been an online relationship involving Elizabeth, since those can so easily be terminated without killing anyone, and Elizabeth would have left an online history for police to follow.

I question: why did the person choose to shoot her outside. If they knew her at all well, IMO they'd arrange to get invited inside, and kill her where there wouldn't be any witnesses, sound would be muffled, etc.

To me, that says they didn't know her well enough to get into her home.

But, I do think this was targeted, every action of the perp seems very purposeful, nothing about it says random. IMO, they knew it was her, even in the twilight, and they had come, armed and prepared to kill her.

Personally, I think the search for motive isn't the best starting point for police, but rather searching for evidence such as what kind of gun, how common, can the purchase be investigated, or images of the truck and how far from the home can it be tracked, arriving, departing, arriving back, departing again, is it at least a Texas plate. Cellphone activity in the area, police will spend months going through tower dumps. Follow every potential lead.

IMO this is solveable, because it doesn't seem random.

JMO

I don’t think it was random. Things appeared to be extremely planned out for her murder. From the inability to identify the car, the exact timing, out of range of camera, costume, the return drive by, etc.
Someone wanted Liz permanently out of the picture and made sure she was dead.
JMO

 

[JayLee#99]

Do we have a media thread for Liz’s case? If so, could someone please point me in the right direction.

 

[illational]

I agree that it may well be someone who came from outside the area to target her, and that's why the investigation has stalled.

However, I think there are many potential reasons why someone might do that. It seems less plausible to me that there would have been an online relationship involving Elizabeth, since those can so easily be terminated without killing anyone, and Elizabeth would have left an online history for police to follow.

I question: why did the person choose to shoot her outside. If they knew her at all well, IMO they'd arrange to get invited inside, and kill her where there wouldn't be any witnesses, sound would be muffled, etc.

To me, that says they didn't know her well enough to get into her home.

But, I do think this was targeted, every action of the perp seems very purposeful, nothing about it says random. IMO, they knew it was her, even in the twilight, and they had come, armed and prepared to kill her.

Personally, I think the search for motive isn't the best starting point for police, but rather searching for evidence such as what kind of gun, how common, can the purchase be investigated, or images of the truck and how far from the home can it be tracked, arriving, departing, arriving back, departing again, is it at least a Texas plate. Cellphone activity in the area, police will spend months going through tower dumps. Follow every potential lead.

IMO this is solveable, because it doesn't seem random.

JMO

I agree with you on all your points.

I just want to elaborate a little bit on the online aspect.

LE would definitely check the obvious online/social media things. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

But think of how many mobile apps, cel phone games, console games, PC games there are, all contain their own online chats. Maybe the online communication took place over a headset in some kind of party chat, or even a voice communication app (discord), in which case there would possibly be no “text” trail at all. Was the victim a gamer? Was she into online RPG’s or something similar? Not to stereotype, but we know she was into starwars and cosplay, so I don’t think it’s too farfetched to assume she may have liked videogames too.

Let’s say that LE did find some clues of a possible suspect through a particular online app/game, and they live in another state. I can’t imagine the hoops they would have to jump through to build a solid case, especially if that person lawyered up and there’s no evidence directly connecting them, other than being someone that the victim played online with a few nights a week (and she may have played with 10’s of others on top of that). IMO this is why they need someone to talk, someone who can give them something more.

If it was the spouse of someone she played with, well that could make things even harder to prove.

I don’t think I have to elaborate on the kinds of maniacs you can meet online who seem normal at first. Lol.

Of course, this is all speculation based on the very little bit of information that has been made public regarding the case. It’s frustrating that as far as the public has been made aware, LE has made barely any progress at all.

And to reiterate, i’m not suggesting a love triangle, or anything similar.

 

[Cryptic]

But think of how many mobile apps, cel phone games, console games, PC games there are, all contain their own online chats.

Was the victim a gamer? Was she into online RPG’s or something similar? Not to stereotype, but we know she was into starwars and cosplay, so I don’t think it’s too farfetched to assume she may have liked videogames too.

Good points the regarding the vast number of communication methods online and the possibility of "cross pollinating" from cosplay Star Wars to other online interests.

<modsnip>

As you stated, that could well have extended into video gaming. As a side note, other possible cross pollinating hobby interests for a cosplayer could be in person RPGs, creative board games and War Hammer like games.

In person games are usually hosted by small hobby shops that both sell the components, paints etc. and also feature a game room. I think it would be a good idea for the police to ask around those shops for any presence of either the victim or a certain truck.

 

[illational]

Good points the regarding the vast number of communication methods online and the possibility of "cross pollinating" from cosplay Star Wars to other online interests.

<modsnip>

As you stated, that could well have extended into video gaming. As a side note, other possible cross pollinating hobby interests for a cosplayer could be in person RPGs, creative board games and War Hammer like games.

In person games are usually hosted by small hobby shops that both sell the components, paints etc. and also feature a game room. I think it would be a good idea for the police to ask around those shops for any presence of either the victim or a certain truck.

Great points about the board games/hobby store aspects, I didn’t even think of it.

<modsnip>

 

[Force Ten]

I agree with you on all your points.

I just want to elaborate a little bit on the online aspect.

LE would definitely check the obvious online/social media things. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

But think of how many mobile apps, cel phone games, console games, PC games there are, all contain their own online chats. Maybe the online communication took place over a headset in some kind of party chat, or even a voice communication app (discord), in which case there would possibly be no “text” trail at all. Was the victim a gamer? Was she into online RPG’s or something similar? Not to stereotype, but we know she was into starwars and cosplay, so I don’t think it’s too farfetched to assume she may have liked videogames too.

Let’s say that LE did find some clues of a possible suspect through a particular online app/game, and they live in another state. I can’t imagine the hoops they would have to jump through to build a solid case, especially if that person lawyered up and there’s no evidence directly connecting them, other than being someone that the victim played online with a few nights a week (and she may have played with 10’s of others on top of that). IMO this is why they need someone to talk, someone who can give them something more.

If it was the spouse of someone she played with, well that could make things even harder to prove.

I don’t think I have to elaborate on the kinds of maniacs you can meet online who seem normal at first. Lol.

Of course, this is all speculation based on the very little bit of information that has been made public regarding the case. It’s frustrating that as far as the public has been made aware, LE has made barely any progress at all.

And to reiterate, i’m not suggesting a love triangle, or anything similar.

LE may have significant developments but just are keeping quiet about it. They’ll typically only announce things to the media if it works in they’re favor.

 

[Eloise]

I don’t think it was random. Things appeared to be extremely planned out for her murder. From the inability to identify the car, the exact timing, out of range of camera, costume, the return drive by, etc.
Someone wanted Liz permanently out of the picture and made sure she was dead.
JMO

Agreed. She wasn't dead though. She didn't die until the following day. I think that's worth noting. Makes me think whoever it was isn't actually experienced at murdering people, wasn't ice cold about it but instead too heated to make sure she was actually dead, and discounts a professional hit (not a hit generally, just a professional one).

 

[Scatcat]

I feel so bad for Elizabeth and her family and I hope the reward yeilds some results. It looked targeted to me from what I've seen ( CCTV door bell, driving around her house the night before)

 

[Lonicera]

I have seen similarities between the two murders : Missy Bevers murder and Elisabeth Barraza case : - in Texas
-early in the morning
-the disguise
-CCTV
- Two married women

This was the ambush of a woman in the early morning, caught on CCTV and committed by someone wearing a disguise. It reminds me of the Missy Bevers case.

The same offender ? An hired killer ?

I am making assumptions only .

 

[iamnotagolem]

I have seen similarities between the two murders : Missy Bevers murder and Elisabeth Barraza case : - in Texas
-early in the morning
-the disguise
-CCTV
- Two married women

This was the ambush of a woman in the early morning, caught on CCTV and committed by someone wearing a disguise. It reminds me of the Missy Bevers case.

The same offender ? An hired killer ?

I am making assumptions only .

Or the killer read about that case and realized with a disguise and unconnected vehicle, they’d likely get away with it. In both cases there isn’t even a certainty whether the killer is a man or woman.

 

[Satchie]

Agreed. She wasn't dead though. She didn't die until the following day. I think that's worth noting. Makes me think whoever it was isn't actually experienced at murdering people, wasn't ice cold about it but instead too heated to make sure she was actually dead, and discounts a professional hit (not a hit generally, just a professional one).

Purely urban legend, but a professional hitman supposedly knows to shoot victims in the head, they are much less likely to survive that. An amateur aims at the chest.

But I don't think we know about Elizabeth's injuries.

JMO

 

[Eloise]

Purely urban legend, but a professional hitman supposedly knows to shoot victims in the head, they are much less likely to survive that. An amateur aims at the chest.

But I don't think we know about Elizabeth's injuries.

JMO

Right yeah I have no idea of her condition after being shot, but she did survive until the following day. People have survived shots to the head before, sometimes in miraculous circumstances; a true professional would have absolutely confirmed she was DEAD dead or zero chance of survival before leaving. I also feel like even just someone who had killed before would have done the same so I doubt it was anyone with a serious criminal record, or even much experience with guns. Like it all really points to a targeted, personal and kind of messy shooting but one that was very much planned and not spontaneous. You would think given all this they'd have been caught. I think they just got lucky. I really hope LE have a person in mind, they just don't have the evidence yet. Like all victims she deserves justice.

 

[MURDERER_SERVANT]

My random thoughts .. BTW Sorry for my bad English and too long post. Here we go ..

There are a few crucial facts about timing..

1- The murder occurred just the day before their 5th year anniversary trip like someone hated that idea and committed <modsnip> the murder before that romantic trip took place .

She /He even took the risk of being seen on CCTVS whereas she/he probably could have beter opportunities at another time and another place .

2- The killer patrolled the crime scene the night before murder to do some scouting

This again indicates kind of a time constraint to me .. Why didn’t he/slhe check the location a few days or a week ago without being noticed ?


My theory is built on these two facts. A jealous woman hiring a hitman .. He was contacted and came within a day my guess is from another city .. The car was probably stolen to be used for the crime .

The same model stolen cars on those days were probably investigated by LE . I also think that he stayed at a motel or hostel that night.. So investigating one night stays on nearby motels could be helpful .

Another strange detail is the wig and the topcoat and bootlike shoes. It is as if the killer had access to an empty house where the host is away and when he gets inside he finds the wig and topcoat and just picks them accessorizing his disguise and also gets the car. He even might have parked the car back after the murder .

It seems to me that he had an afeminine walk while approaching Liz. I can’t decide his gender but looked like a man while running back to the car .

It’s also possible that after Liz saying good morning , he asked if she was S ‘s wife and maybe showed him a photo of S. Is this S’s house or are you his wife to make sure of his target?

He wanted to keep his head right .

He came the previous night to check the house , he came back after the murder to to check if she was dead .. He was double controlling everything. So my guess He again asked her about S and who she was .

Jmo

 

[BINGOdinoDNA]

Praying for new information daily. #JusticeForLiz

 

[JnRyan]

My random thoughts .. BTW Sorry for my bad English and too long post. Here we go ..

There are a few crucial facts about timing..

1- The murder occurred just the day before their 5th year anniversary trip like someone hated that idea and committed <modsnip> the murder before that romantic trip took place .

She /He even took the risk of being seen on CCTVS whereas she/he probably could have beter opportunities at another time and another place .

2- The killer patrolled the crime scene the night before murder to do some scouting

This again indicates kind of a time constraint to me .. Why didn’t he/slhe check the location a few days or a week ago without being noticed ?


My theory is built on these two facts. A jealous woman hiring a hitman .. He was contacted and came within a day my guess is from another city .. The car was probably stolen to be used for the crime .

The same model stolen cars on those days were probably investigated by LE . I also think that he stayed at a motel or hostel that night.. So investigating one night stays on nearby motels could be helpful .

Another strange detail is the wig and the topcoat and bootlike shoes. It is as if the killer had access to an empty house where the host is away and when he gets inside he finds the wig and topcoat and just picks them accessorizing his disguise and also gets the car. He even might have parked the car back after the murder .

It seems to me that he had an afeminine walk while approaching Liz. I can’t decide his gender but looked like a man while running back to the car .

It’s also possible that after Liz saying good morning , he asked if she was S ‘s wife and maybe showed him a photo of S. Is this S’s house or are you his wife to make sure of his target?

He wanted to keep his head right .

He came the previous night to check the house , he came back after the murder to to check if she was dead .. He was double controlling everything. So my guess He again asked her about S and who she was .

Jmo

All good theories. I originally thought this was a man, but now I'm not so sure. A stolen truck? Possible, but if it was stolen and the owner reported it I would think that would have come to LE's attention. Of course, it is less than a day's drive to LA and certainly within that period of time to OK so it may have not immediately registered with LE. But by now, I have to believe LE have expanded their search. I tend to believe this killer lives well outside the Houston area like Austin, Dallas-FW or even Lake Charles LA or Lafayette LA areas, just for examples. In fact, they may not even be the owner of the truck but had access to the truck and used it without the owner's knowledge. That would be a reason for a time constraint - to return the truck without the owner's knowledge or at least to not arouse suspicion of the owner's neighbors. HOWEVER, what about a stolen truck that is never found and was driven across the border to Mexico. That is possible, so a stolen truck is not out of the question.

That this was not the person that had the personal reason to kill Elizabeth, I believe is a strong possibility - i.e., a hitman. When I say 'hitman' I'm not implying someone who does this for a living as a professional. Rather a hitman wannabe. It just appears to be bold and almost clumsy in the manner in which it was done.

If this was a disguise, I would think these role players would be group with a number of folks that know how to use disguises - a much higher percentage than the average person. That leads me to believe there is some connection to her cosplay activities.

I do find that brief interaction between Elizabeth and the killer to be interesting. What could have been the purpose?

This needs to be solved. Her father has spoken out about this and he needs to see justice. Her husband not only lost his love, but was probably LE's first POI while he was still trying to come to grips with this. Even after LE moved on from him, there are co-workers of both, acquaintances, neighbors and others that probably still whisper behind his back all while he is still trying to deal with this. His life as he knew it has radically changed for the worse. He needs this solved.

 

[JnRyan]

@dotr brought this article up earlier.
Elizabeth Barraza murder: Parents to raise reward | khou.com

They mention that LE went to Miami to talk to a POI. I had forgotten about that till I did a Google search for any recent updates today. Did LE believe this was a possible killer? Or a person who arranged for another party to kill her? Miami to Houston just seems like a such a really long distance for there to be a connection. Of course, this could have been a person from the Houston area that moved some time after the murder. Still it really makes me wonder how LE could have made such a connection, especially when this looks like a hired killing.

 

[borndem]

Re hired killing -- Hired by whom and why?
I don't think it was a hired killing -- JMO. I'm more inclined to think it was a person who was or is someone who knew her or her husband, or both, and was into Cosplay and had a reason, how ever strange or "out-there" the motive was.
Whatever, I am hoping LE has a strong lead and they are still trying to build up a motive and solid evidence. I also wonder how much the Prosecutor's office is keeping her/his eyes on this murder.
Rewards can sometimes make people pick up the phone or tip line, so I hope that will happen, if it hasn't already.
This woman and her family need justice. SMH.