TX - Elizabeth Barraza, 29, murdered setting up garage sale, Harris County, Jan 2019 #2

[MimosaMornings]

BBM

It was mentioned that Elizabeth also made costumed appearances at hospitals.

What if its as simple as a parent became unhinged because Elizabeth could not make an appearance for their child because she was having her yard sale?

I think Elizabeth had the yard sale planned in advance so it would not conflict with any hospital appearances. There would have been other members to help out in that circumstance. JMO

 

[MizKim]

I think Elizabeth had the yard sale planned in advance so it would not conflict with any hospital appearances. There would have been other members to help out in that circumstance. JMO

Exactly. What if she declined an appearance request because it would have conflicted with her yard sale and the parent was not happy about it?

Their children especially sick children are one of the areas I see parents lose it. JMO

 

[MajorHoople]

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Here's an interesting video from KHOU 11 News that I don't believe has been posted here. In the video you will see Elizabeth Barraza posing in an Imperial Storm Trooper costume.

As your video shows, Princess Leia shot lots of Imperial Storm Trooper.


Victim's last words before 2019 murder at Tomball garage sale: 'Good morning'

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[cluciano63]

Seems like her husband would have known, if she had disappointed anyone by conflicting dates with her annual garage sale...especially if the person had been upset with Elizabeth. LE must have asked him to wrack his brain for any person that could have had the slightest grudge against her, no matter how small. Jmo

 

[Curiousobserver]

Such a puzzling case, I really thought this one was going to be solved quickly. The perpetrator likely knew the victim in some way(MO), they drove a vehicle there at least twice, they were captured on camera committing the crime and driving around the area, and the police know the make model of the vehicle. Oh and all the electronic forensics and video we don't know about.

It seemed like such a good start.

 

[Cryptic]

Exactly. What if she declined an appearance request because it would have conflicted with her yard sale and the parent was not happy about it?

Their children especially sick children are one of the areas I see parents lose it. JMO

Though this is a possibility and sick children can generate raw emotions, the parent would have needed to perceive the missed appearance as "Elizabeth, the Star Wars person declined" and not the more generic "The Star Wars people might be one short",

Requests for a appearances could well be made to the group as a whole and not to individual members. The group then coordinates an appearance. With this model, the parents of a hospitalized child would probably not even know which group members were going to appear. Rather, they would be informed that generic "Star Wars role players" were going to appear.

Even still, given that all more direct motives may have been exhausted, maybe check with the Star Wars group to see if any hospital appearances were promised by Elizabeth as an individual?

 

[sl222]

Since the Ring door picked up Elizabeth saying "good morning," it may have picked up more of the short exhange of words that followed. Police have kept details for the public to a minimum. When you go back over the news conferences and updates, you can see how the investigator who was leading this case until recently feels anger about what happened to this innocent person, IMO, and determination to get to the bottom of this case. And the new lead detective stated in recent media posted here his resolve to do the same.

 

[DTPeke]

I checked the Crime Stoppers of Houston website and came up with nothing, unfortunately. I agree the absence of information about EB’s murder is both unfortunate and distressing.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and verify there is no write-up on the Crime Stoppers of Houston page. Seems ODD but they do list the phone number and reward in most articles. I was curious to see if any details had been changed/added/updated.
___________jumping off this to post to add new information from the People magazine article. Bolded by me for emphasis.
“I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.” - Sgt. Ritchie

Really. 18 months in? No one? Not even those closest to her? Happy to see a suspect list is referenced.

more from the article:

“This is the strangest, toughest case I’ve ever worked”, says Sgt. Michael Ritchie, lead investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, adding that the killer seemed to know enough about the scene to deliberately avoid the couple’s own doorbell camera. “I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.”

The lack of enemies has mystified cops, who have been unable to figure out a motive or a suspect in the killing - Or even identify the most basic details of the shooter.

“There are a lot of unknowns admits Sgt. Ritchie. “For instance, I wouldn’t be surprised either way if (the shooter) ends up being male or female.”

One thing investigators believe: This was not a random act of violence. “I lean more toward it being that this person deliberately wanted to kill Ms. Barraza.: Ritchie says, adding that the shooting has many characteristics of a professional hit. “

We haven’t found a trail of evidence or phone records. They didn’t leave any DNA or anything behind. They didn’t make any mistakes.”

Shortly after the shooting the Nissan truck dove past the scene for a second time. “I feel they contacted somebody and said “Hey, the job’s done.” Says Ritchie “and they turned around and drove by the scene one more time”.

Police searched both Elizabeth’s and Sergio’s cell phones but found nothing incriminating. “I didn’t see anything on there at all that would suggest that either of them was having an affair or being threatened by someone.”
_________I disagree. Mistakes were made. The truck make/model was identified. Look at the Dan Markel case 2+yrs for arrest. Very Similar - minus motive, the car was seen, and eventually a rental car was identified and tracked 500+ miles away then everything else fell into place. I will keep the faith this will be solved but it might take years.....and my theory that they are strategically releasing information.....
ETA: added the previous link to People magazine article (note: most of this is discussed and seen in the screen capture in article in the video)
After 18 Months, Police Still Seek Clues on Who Fatally Shot ‘Star Wars’ Fan at Her Own Garage Sale

 

[SAMS]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and verify there is no write-up on the Crime Stoppers of Houston page. Seems ODD but they do list the phone number and reward in most articles. I was curious to see if any details had been changed/added/updated.
___________jumping off this to post add new information from the People magazine article. Bolded by me for emphasis.
“I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.” - Sgt. Ritchie

Really. 18 months in? No one? Not even those closest to her? Happy to see a suspect list is referenced.

more from the article:

“This is the strangest, toughest case I’ve ever worked”, says Sgt. Michael Ritchie, lead investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, adding that the killer seemed to know enough about the scene to deliberately avoid the couple’s own doorbell camera. “I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.”

The lack of enemies has mystified cops, who have been unable to figure out a motive or a suspect in the killing - Or even identify the most basic details of the shooter.

“There are a lot of unknowns admits Sgt. Ritchie. “For instance, I wouldn’t be surprised either way if (the shooter) ends up being male or female.”

One thing investigators believe: This was not a random act of violence. “I lean more toward it being that this person deliberately wanted to kill Ms. Barraza.: Ritchie says, adding that the shooting has many characteristics of a professional hit. “

We haven’t found a trail of evidence or phone records. They didn’t leave any DNA or anything behind. They didn’t make any mistakes.”

Shortly after the shooting the Nissan truck dove past the scene for a second time. “I feel they contacted somebody and said “Hey, the job’s done.” Says Ritchie “and they turned around and drove by the scene one more time”.

Police searched both Elizabeth’s and Sergio’s cell phones but found nothing incriminating. “I didn’t see anything on there at all that would suggest that either of them was having an affair or being threatened by someone.”
_________I disagree. Mistakes were made. The truck make/model was identified. Look at the Dan Markel case 2+yrs for arrest. Very Similar - minus motive, the car was seen, and eventually a rental car was identified and tracked 500+ miles away then everything else fell into place. I will keep the faith this will be solved but it might take years.....and my theory that they are strategically releasing information.....
ETA: added the previous link to People magazine article (note: most of this is discussed and seen in the screen capture in article in the video)
After 18 Months, Police Still Seek Clues on Who Fatally Shot ‘Star Wars’ Fan at Her Own Garage Sale

This. Someone orchestrated the perfect murder but forgot there’s no such thing. I have my opinions and will keep them to myself, and hope for justice for Elizabeth. MOO IMO

 

[DTPeke]

This. Someone orchestrated the perfect murder but forgot there’s no such thing. I have my opinions and will keep them to myself, and hope for justice for Elizabeth. MOO IMO

Me 2 on opinions. too Hard to discuss this case without breaking rules. I will continue to think about it and look here and elsewhere.....too many seemingly "unknowns" known to someone. Information was obviously known or fed to someone....
ETA: they thought the degree of separation was good enough on the Markel murder case as well, the recent "Sweetie Pies" case took 4 years but solved....

 

[Eloise]

So, cops a) haven't cleared anyone at all b) believe it's targeted c) can find no evidence of stalking, affairs or threats from anyone d) think it looks like a hit from someone who knew to avoid the home's doorbell camera

Well, well, well.

 

[SAMS]

So, cops a) haven't cleared anyone at all b) believe it's targeted c) can find no evidence of stalking, affairs or threats from anyone d) think it looks like a hit from someone who knew to avoid the home's doorbell camera

Well, well, well.

Indeed.

 

[sl222]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and verify there is no write-up on the Crime Stoppers of Houston page. Seems ODD but they do list the phone number and reward in most articles. I was curious to see if any details had been changed/added/updated.
___________jumping off this to post to add new information from the People magazine article. Bolded by me for emphasis.
“I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.” - Sgt. Ritchie

Really. 18 months in? No one? Not even those closest to her? Happy to see a suspect list is referenced.

more from the article:

“This is the strangest, toughest case I’ve ever worked”, says Sgt. Michael Ritchie, lead investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, adding that the killer seemed to know enough about the scene to deliberately avoid the couple’s own doorbell camera. “I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.”

The lack of enemies has mystified cops, who have been unable to figure out a motive or a suspect in the killing - Or even identify the most basic details of the shooter.

“There are a lot of unknowns admits Sgt. Ritchie. “For instance, I wouldn’t be surprised either way if (the shooter) ends up being male or female.”

One thing investigators believe: This was not a random act of violence. “I lean more toward it being that this person deliberately wanted to kill Ms. Barraza.: Ritchie says, adding that the shooting has many characteristics of a professional hit. “

We haven’t found a trail of evidence or phone records. They didn’t leave any DNA or anything behind. They didn’t make any mistakes.”

Shortly after the shooting the Nissan truck dove past the scene for a second time. “I feel they contacted somebody and said “Hey, the job’s done.” Says Ritchie “and they turned around and drove by the scene one more time”.

Police searched both Elizabeth’s and Sergio’s cell phones but found nothing incriminating. “I didn’t see anything on there at all that would suggest that either of them was having an affair or being threatened by someone.”
_________I disagree. Mistakes were made. The truck make/model was identified. Look at the Dan Markel case 2+yrs for arrest. Very Similar - minus motive, the car was seen, and eventually a rental car was identified and tracked 500+ miles away then everything else fell into place. I will keep the faith this will be solved but it might take years.....and my theory that they are strategically releasing information.....
ETA: added the previous link to People magazine article (note: most of this is discussed and seen in the screen capture in article in the video)
After 18 Months, Police Still Seek Clues on Who Fatally Shot ‘Star Wars’ Fan at Her Own Garage Sale

I'm so glad you highlighted all those comments. IMO, Detective Ritchie had this figured out long ago but it's only a matter of getting the evidence. I really appreciate his bold statements. Last year I spent a really long time on this. I saved everything. Then hit a wall. However recently after about 4 full days of going over more things, and then going back seeing something I missed; that was the best day I had all summer. These smart killers are not that smart. What is wrong with people. Justice for Liz.

 

[fridaybaker]

The video on this is so blurry, but the shooter seems an awful lot like a woman as she walks up. Maybe it's because she's obviously dressed/coiffed so. Perhaps I'm mislead by that. It would be interesting if someone were able to "redress" her as a man on the video, and see what people think as to the manner -feminine or masculine. There are certainly more movements in the whole video -arm movement as she approaches the victim, as she/he pulls the gun, etc.

 

[fridaybaker]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and verify there is no write-up on the Crime Stoppers of Houston page. Seems ODD but they do list the phone number and reward in most articles. I was curious to see if any details had been changed/added/updated.
___________jumping off this to post to add new information from the People magazine article. Bolded by me for emphasis.
“I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.” - Sgt. Ritchie

Really. 18 months in? No one? Not even those closest to her? Happy to see a suspect list is referenced.

more from the article:

“This is the strangest, toughest case I’ve ever worked”, says Sgt. Michael Ritchie, lead investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, adding that the killer seemed to know enough about the scene to deliberately avoid the couple’s own doorbell camera. “I’ve not canceled or exonerated anybody off the suspect list.”

The lack of enemies has mystified cops, who have been unable to figure out a motive or a suspect in the killing - Or even identify the most basic details of the shooter.

“There are a lot of unknowns admits Sgt. Ritchie. “For instance, I wouldn’t be surprised either way if (the shooter) ends up being male or female.”

One thing investigators believe: This was not a random act of violence. “I lean more toward it being that this person deliberately wanted to kill Ms. Barraza.: Ritchie says, adding that the shooting has many characteristics of a professional hit. “

We haven’t found a trail of evidence or phone records. They didn’t leave any DNA or anything behind. They didn’t make any mistakes.”

Shortly after the shooting the Nissan truck dove past the scene for a second time. “I feel they contacted somebody and said “Hey, the job’s done.” Says Ritchie “and they turned around and drove by the scene one more time”.

Police searched both Elizabeth’s and Sergio’s cell phones but found nothing incriminating. “I didn’t see anything on there at all that would suggest that either of them was having an affair or being threatened by someone.”
_________I disagree. Mistakes were made. The truck make/model was identified. Look at the Dan Markel case 2+yrs for arrest. Very Similar - minus motive, the car was seen, and eventually a rental car was identified and tracked 500+ miles away then everything else fell into place. I will keep the faith this will be solved but it might take years.....and my theory that they are strategically releasing information.....
ETA: added the previous link to People magazine article (note: most of this is discussed and seen in the screen capture in article in the video)
After 18 Months, Police Still Seek Clues on Who Fatally Shot ‘Star Wars’ Fan at Her Own Garage Sale

This is very disheartening. The comments suggest that they know virtually nothing about the suspect. Whether that's true or not, who knows, but I winced at hearing it. Wouldn't they want the suspect to think they're "on to him"? I don't know, maybe not. Perhaps the idea is to let the killer think he/she is in the clear. Still, though, my gut instinct on it was that this isn't good. Like they really don't have any clue who did this, and I would have liked the suspect to "feel the pressure".

It is interesting; however, that they have not "canceled or exonerated anyone off the suspect list". Isn't this wording a bit odd? Contrary to what I wrote above, apparently there is at least a suspect list. It's really open, though, as to whether there are some people close to Elizabeth, who would normally be immediately ruled out in such a case, have been.

 

[borndem]

So, cops a) haven't cleared anyone at all b) believe it's targeted c) can find no evidence of stalking, affairs or threats from anyone d) think it looks like a hit from someone who knew to avoid the home's doorbell camera

Well, well, well.

Gotta be somebody known to the Barrazas, IMO -- someone who had visited the home -- most likely a fellow gamer of course, or someone who had done repairs or made deliveries there, previously lived in or built the home, etc., and knew about the doorbell camera. Like many of us have said, probably someone in their fantasy group -- a spurned potential or past lover of one of the Barraza's perhaps. Or a sore loser having to do with their games.

 

[SAMS]

This is very disheartening. The comments suggest that they know virtually nothing about the suspect. Whether that's true or not, who knows, but I winced at hearing it. Wouldn't they want the suspect to think they're "on to him"? I don't know, maybe not. Perhaps the idea is to let the killer think he/she is in the clear. Still, though, my gut instinct on it was that this isn't good. Like they really don't have any clue who did this, and I would have liked the suspect to "feel the pressure".

It is interesting; however, that they have not "canceled or exonerated anyone off the suspect list". Isn't this wording a bit odd? Contrary to what I wrote above, apparently there is at least a suspect list. It's really open, though, as to whether there are some people close to Elizabeth, who would normally be immediately ruled out in such a case, have been.

I believe the wording by LE here is intentional. He wants the perp to know he’s coming for him, no one is cleared, don’t get comfy, buddy. MOO

 

[borndem]

I'm so glad you highlighted all those comments. IMO, Detective Ritchie had this figured out long ago but it's only a matter of getting the evidence. I really appreciate his bold statements. Last year I spent a really long time on this. I saved everything. Then hit a wall. However recently after about 4 full days of going over more things, and then going back seeing something I missed; that was the best day I had all summer. These smart killers are not that smart. What is wrong with people. Justice for Liz.

bbm
Good post.
Every killer thinks s/he is smarter that the police and detectives -- a killer with no or little prior experience vs. seasoned police and detectives with a cumulative 50 -- 150 years of experience. SMH.
This perp has done a pretty good job -- so far...

 

[Cottonstar]

The answer is in the victimology of Liz. There literally is only a few people that the killer could be.

 

[Tracey4AU]

All these posts giving me the sense some of you have a strong suspect in mind! Hmmmm. It’s hard to think this won’t be solved. I just can’t get over the brazenness of it. Of course, perps almost always think they’re smarter than everyone else, don’t they?