TX TX - Elizabeth Barraza, 29, murdered setting up garage sale, Harris Co, Jan 2019 #6

[KindMind1ofA]

Maybe he was thinking of an accidental shooting? Maybe he was thinking a gun inadvertently discharged and LB was shot on accident not realizing it was intentional

Or maybe that they would have taken something, broke into the house, or something along those lines.

 

[Curiousobserver]

His reaction seems perfectly reasonable. In a typical suburban setting like that, even if there had been a robbery motive, getting shot would be very unlikely. For him to be dumbfounded about the description of what happened is exactly how I would be if someone did that in my driveway. To me, it would have seemed to have been an accident, or an argument gone wrong somehow and I might ask the same question.

 

[x_files]

Perhaps the police have known the vehicle all along and keeping what they know on the down low while put together the case needed for arrest and conviction.

I hope you are correct.

 

[Otterplop]

If Sergio was not involved, I keep circling back to his dad being a possible suspect. I hate making assumptions like that, and it's not entirely fair, but the bounced checks written by his dad bother me. It's purely speculation/imo, but why would his dad say that happens sometimes, and then money problems are reportedly still going on to this day with his company? This would make sense if the life insurance never paid out or did pay out but Sergio wanted nothing to do with his dad and thus, would not help him pay off his debts. Again, speculation, but could the bounced checks be indicative of his dad paying someone off to take the hit out on Liz? This would be dumb given all the other planning, since it would look suspicious and could be traceable (maybe, I'm not sure), but could explain partially why the Texas Gang Unit is involved?

It would be a lot harder to trace a shooter to a random migrant who possibly worked for his dad, but his dad takes out money over a few checks to pay the person off ahead of time, and waits until his son leaves for work so he can get the life insurance b/c it won't look suspicious (this was poorly planned if so, b/c Sergio looks very suspicious). The motive in this whole case could be money, to pay off his debts and perhaps save his family/marriage. I'm just spitballing though, b/c I waiver back and forth between Sergio being reasonable and innocent, and then not lol. I hope he's innocent though and it seems like someone close to him and Liz could have done this without Sergio knowing/having involvement. If that's the case, I could see his sketchy dad being behind this. Doesn't his dad also have a lady friend in Miami FL where the search warrant was issued? Maybe the car was connected there too? Again all of this is IMO, but I just can't shake those bounced checks right before she's killed in a hit-like-style. Plus, his dad could've reasoned that using a cheap Star Wars disguise would point police to a different pool of suspects; a red herring. If anyone could help clear up some of what I mentioned, that would be much appreciated! These are things I've read and I'd love clarification on if any of my facts are wrong. Thanks!

 

[x_files]

If Sergio was not involved, I keep circling back to his dad being a possible suspect. I hate making assumptions like that, and it's not entirely fair, but the bounced checks written by his dad bother me. It's purely speculation/imo, but why would his dad say that happens sometimes, and then money problems are reportedly still going on to this day with his company? This would make sense if the life insurance never paid out or did pay out but Sergio wanted nothing to do with his dad and thus, would not help him pay off his debts. Again, speculation, but could the bounced checks be indicative of his dad paying someone off to take the hit out on Liz? This would be dumb given all the other planning, since it would look suspicious and could be traceable (maybe, I'm not sure), but could explain partially why the Texas Gang Unit is involved?

It would be a lot harder to trace a shooter to a random migrant who possibly worked for his dad, but his dad takes out money over a few checks to pay the person off ahead of time, and waits until his son leaves for work so he can get the life insurance b/c it won't look suspicious (this was poorly planned if so, b/c Sergio looks very suspicious). The motive in this whole case could be money, to pay off his debts and perhaps save his family/marriage. I'm just spitballing though, b/c I waiver back and forth between Sergio being reasonable and innocent, and then not lol. I hope he's innocent though and it seems like someone close to him and Liz could have done this without Sergio knowing/having involvement. If that's the case, I could see his sketchy dad being behind this. Doesn't his dad also have a lady friend in Miami FL where the search warrant was issued? Maybe the car was connected there too? Again all of this is IMO, but I just can't shake those bounced checks right before she's killed in a hit-like-style. Plus, his dad could've reasoned that using a cheap Star Wars disguise would point police to a different pool of suspects; a red herring. If anyone could help clear up some of what I mentioned, that would be much appreciated! These are things I've read and I'd love clarification on if any of my facts are wrong. Thanks!

All excellent questions.
If SB suspects his father, I hope he keeps a safe distance from his new wife and family.
Money can cause people to do desperate and outrageously horrible things.

 

[FromGermany1]

Afaik, Liz took her f-i-l to task about the bounced checks. Right so, if Sergio wasn't able! After all they had to manage their monthly income and their monetary commitments in a proper way.

OB is from a different culture than LB, and he certainly had/has not a bit understanding, when women dared to confront him. And when they resp Liz even mentioned his mistress/es in FLA and elsewhere (I think, it were/are more than one only), omG, that would have been the most damaging critic. THAT could have been a big trigger: no compliance with the daughter-in-law. Maybe his extramarital affair/s was/were exposed, having more problems with his wife and money since, fearing possibly very big losses in a divorce (who knows, if the wife/wife's family invested in his business many years ago). It would have meant his downfall at the end.

All my speculation, based on some facts.
I believe, at least he had it in his mind, to get rid of LB one day. Maybe he thought, he would spare his son an expensive divorce also (not only himself).

 

[KindMind1ofA]

Exactly. This, IMO, is the leading contention, and really the only solid lead. Unlike all the other theories we've tossed around, no new bit of evidence that has trickled in over the years has invalidated this suspicion so far. All MOO, and the fact it's the most promising lead we have obviously doesn't make it true

If this theory is true, LE knows it as well and hopefully has hard evidence to support it... Time will tell I suppose.

 

[arielilane]

I would be in complete shock if the insurance policy has been paid out. moo

 

[x_files]

Afaik, Liz took her f-i-l to task about the bounced checks. Right so, if Sergio wasn't able! After all they had to manage their monthly income and their monetary commitments in a proper way.

OB is from a different culture than LB, and he certainly had/has not a bit understanding, when women dared to confront him. And when they resp Liz even mentioned his mistress/es in FLA and elsewhere (I think, it were/are more than one only), omG, that would have been the most damaging critic. THAT could have been a big trigger: no compliance with the daughter-in-law. Maybe his extramarital affair/s was/were exposed, having more problems with his wife and money since, fearing possibly very big losses in a divorce (who knows, if the wife/wife's family invested in his business many years ago). It would have meant his downfall at the end.

All my speculation, based on some facts.
I believe, at least he had it in his mind, to get rid of LB one day. Maybe he thought, he would spare his son an expensive divorce also (not only himself).

from what culture is OB from?
I assumed they were all born and raised in or from Texas?

 

[x_files]

Exactly. This, IMO, is the leading contention, and really the only solid lead. Unlike all the other theories we've tossed around, no new bit of evidence that has trickled in over the years has invalidated this suspicion so far. All MOO, and the fact it's the most promising lead we have obviously doesn't make it true

If this theory is true, LE knows it as well and hopefully has hard evidence to support it... Time will tell I suppose.

If so I hope SB is protecting his new wife and family. Deeply disturbing if it turns out to be true.

 

[Otterplop]

I would be in complete shock if the insurance policy has been paid out. moo

Same! I've heard that it has and also that it hasn't, lol people will say multiple things online. I feel like it hasn't though since I don't think LE has said Sergio is cleared, but I can't see why any sensible insurance agency would give the funds out before an arrest has even been made for an active investigation into their insured being brutally murdered. I also can't remember if LE has stated anyone has been cleared, but I tend to take that with a grain of salt since they can withhold that.

Side question, but does anyone know for legality reasons if LE says someone is cleared but they actually aren't? I think that would be a good tactic to surveil someone if they think the heat is off of them, but idk if that's illegal or just frowned upon to lie to the public like that. I feel like it's illegal but idk if there are loopholes since LE can withhold whatever they want in an active investigation.

 

[iamnotagolem]

I could maybe get behind SB's dad being involved if that wasn't what the 5th suspect he came up with? Sorry but it feels like deflection.

If my spouse was murdered tomorrow, you know who I would have as a suspect? No one, I wouldn't be able to come up with one person as a suspect. There is not one person who I could even imagine killing my spouse.

 

[Ajs1004]

I’ve said this quite a few times but I unfortunately have experience with life insurance payouts. I really had to jump through some hoops to get my husband’s life insurance. I had to prove that his death wasn’t a suicide and I had to prove that I wasn’t involved and it took several months. They made it very clear if I was somehow a suspect in his death I was not going to be getting that life insurance money. They give you a certain amount of time to be able to get the life insurance, I can’t remember how much, but if you can’t get it in that time, they close the case. You’re able to reopen it by requesting it but then it takes approval and it can take time to reopen it.

I am not naming Sergio as a suspect because they never said he’s a suspect, however they’ve also never said he’s not a suspect. They have never officially cleared him of her death. Life insurance companies don’t want to ever cash out. It’s a lot of money especially with murder addendum like that in her policy. It’s even more money. Sergio has changed his story about that. He didn’t know the amount, then he downplayed the amount. He didn’t get it because he didn’t need/want it then he got it but hasn’t touched it. Let’s say the last one that he got it but never touched it,well it’s been nearly 5 years. The amount of money that that money has accrued in five years with interest in a bank account that’s never been touched is most likely a lot. I cannot believe that high of an amount of money is just sitting there accruing interest and has never been looked at/touched.

 

[Otterplop]

I’ve said this quite a few times but I unfortunately have experience with life insurance payouts. I really had to jump through some hoops to get my husband’s life insurance. I had to prove that his death wasn’t a suicide and I had to prove that I wasn’t involved and it took several months. They made it very clear if I was somehow a suspect in his death I was not going to be getting that life insurance money. They give you a certain amount of time to be able to get the life insurance, I can’t remember how much, but if you can’t get it in that time, they close the case. You’re able to reopen it by requesting it but then it takes approval and it can take time to reopen it.

I am not naming Sergio as a suspect because they never said he’s a suspect, however they’ve also never said he’s not a suspect. They have never officially cleared him of her death. Life insurance companies don’t want to ever cash out. It’s a lot of money especially with murder addendum like that in her policy. It’s even more money. Sergio has changed his story about that. He didn’t know the amount, then he downplayed the amount. He didn’t get it because he didn’t need/want it then he got it but hasn’t touched it. Let’s say the last one that he got it but never touched it,well it’s been nearly 5 years. The amount of money that that money has accrued in five years with interest in a bank account that’s never been touched is most likely a lot. I cannot believe that high of an amount of money is just sitting there accruing interest and has never been looked at/touched.

First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know I'm just a stranger on the internet and people say that phrase a lot, but I am genuinely so sorry that you've had to endure that. Thank you for being here and being willing to share your experience!

Second, these points are all the ones that lead me back to Sergio. I think partially - I don't want to think he's guilty, but the changing of what happened with the money and who could have done what is very suspicious. It would be suspicious of anyone to make these claims, but it's especially suspicious since he's the one who has purported all of this. He also couldn't get right when the sign for their garage sale was put out, nor did he originally state that his parents also knew about the garage sale. It all sounds like a lot of deflection, but then again I've never been in his shoes. I've read though that some people, with grief, will either remember everything surrounding that day very well or not at all. I don't want to be insensitive towards him or his reaction, but it doesn't appear innocent how much what he's said has changed. But then again I'm baffled as to how cops found nothing on his phone or social media, and a burner phone hasn't been found. Surely it can't be that easy to get away with something like this for so long? Even if his current wife was involved, I don't get how they could get so lucky, for lack of a better word. So then I go back to his dad and continue chasing my tail lol.

What's striking though is that his current wife had worked at a car dealership or mechanic of some sort when Liz was killed. This would provide perfect access to a truck with plates swapped out. And I don't think she or Sergio would've needed burner phones to do all of this, but I'm blown away by how they could get away with this for so long (if they are guilty).

Sorry for the rant, this case confuses me. But perhaps it's because I'd hate to see someone who is supposedly kind and shy like Sergio, be an evil monster.

 

[x_files]

First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know I'm just a stranger on the internet and people say that phrase a lot, but I am genuinely so sorry that you've had to endure that. Thank you for being here and being willing to share your experience!

Second, these points are all the ones that lead me back to Sergio. I think partially - I don't want to think he's guilty, but the changing of what happened with the money and who could have done what is very suspicious. It would be suspicious of anyone to make these claims, but it's especially suspicious since he's the one who has purported all of this. He also couldn't get right when the sign for their garage sale was put out, nor did he originally state that his parents also knew about the garage sale. It all sounds like a lot of deflection, but then again I've never been in his shoes. I've read though that some people, with grief, will either remember everything surrounding that day very well or not at all. I don't want to be insensitive towards him or his reaction, but it doesn't appear innocent how much what he's said has changed. But then again I'm baffled as to how cops found nothing on his phone or social media, and a burner phone hasn't been found. Surely it can't be that easy to get away with something like this for so long? Even if his current wife was involved, I don't get how they could get so lucky, for lack of a better word. So then I go back to his dad and continue chasing my tail lol.

What's striking though is that his current wife had worked at a car dealership or mechanic of some sort when Liz was killed. This would provide perfect access to a truck with plates swapped out. And I don't think she or Sergio would've needed burner phones to do all of this, but I'm blown away by how they could get away with this for so long (if they are guilty).

Sorry for the rant, this case confuses me. But perhaps it's because I'd hate to see someone who is supposedly kind and shy like Sergio, be an evil monster.

If you meet face to face and NEVER call, text, or email each other you can plan/plot to do anything as long as there are no witnesses or anyone who would overhear a conversation. I would assume LE already investigated this angle thoroughly to see if the stories match when they met.

 

[Sjöberg]

I, for one, still think that we think of S and S's father etc only because they are the only people we know about. I feel like the real POI is someone who we have no real information about atm.

Before BK was caught in Idaho people were going wild with the "it must be K's ex", "the roommate must be involved" etc. Because these were the only people we knew about.

MOO

 

[arielilane]

Same! I've heard that it has and also that it hasn't, lol people will say multiple things online. I feel like it hasn't though since I don't think LE has said Sergio is cleared, but I can't see why any sensible insurance agency would give the funds out before an arrest has even been made for an active investigation into their insured being brutally murdered. I also can't remember if LE has stated anyone has been cleared, but I tend to take that with a grain of salt since they can withhold that.

Side question, but does anyone know for legality reasons if LE says someone is cleared but they actually aren't? I think that would be a good tactic to surveil someone if they think the heat is off of them, but idk if that's illegal or just frowned upon to lie to the public like that. I feel like it's illegal but idk if there are loopholes since LE can withhold whatever they want in an active investigation.

My understanding is that LE cleared no one in the Liz Barraza homicide case.

Moreover, my understanding is that LE may mislead or misinform and it's permitted and an effective strategy/tool in an investigation.

Agree, with you LE will claim to have cleared someone, and then determine later that same person is not clear. Or it's possibly a mistake to clear them in the first place. idk.

moo

 

[x_files]

I, for one, still think that we think of S and S's father etc only because they are the only people we know about. I feel like the real POI is someone who we have no real information about atm.

Before BK was caught in Idaho people were going wild with the "it must be K's ex", "the roommate must be involved" etc. Because these were the only people we knew about.

MOO

This is true we have NO idea who the Le have listed as possible POI or Suspects. All we have is public MSM info.

 

[iamnotagolem]

If you meet face to face and NEVER call, text, or email each other you can plan/plot to do anything as long as there are no witnesses or anyone who would overhear a conversation. I would assume LE already investigated this angle thoroughly to see if the stories match when they met.

They also could have had burner phones. If you're (not you specifically, not trying to give you advice) going to plan to kill someone or cheat on your spouse then kill them, you wouldn't be using your own phone for all of that. Get a burner and never connect to wifi, maybe cycle through multiple burners, get a new one every week or something.

I know it seems crazy that there isn't digital evidence in this day and age, but "back in my day" we didn't have cell phones. People met and communicated without constant phone contact. Not to date myself any further, but when I was a child it wasn't even uncommon for there not to be a landline in every house. Think back to the generation before mine? I guess they wrote letters and sent carrier pigeons.

 

[FromGermany1]

from what culture is OB from?
I assumed they were all born and raised in or from Texas?

Oh, did I assume wrong? I thought, they are from Mexico?