Rafael Govea Romero, the suspect in the murder of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina in December 2023, has pleaded not guilty, as confirmed by his attorney. Romero, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, is accused of stalking the Edna High School cheerleader before allegedly striking her over the head and stabbing her in the apartment she shared with her mother on Dec. 5.
His defense attorney, Chris Iles, stated that Romero entered a plea of not guilty and looks forward to defending his case in the upcoming trial, asserting his innocence. Romero was indicted on a capital murder charge by a Jackson County grand jury in February in connection with Medina's death.
