Community to Honor Elizabeth 'Liz' Barraza with Memorial Bench Dedication at Burroughs Park in Tomball
The community is invited to gather in remembrance of Elizabeth “Liz” Barraza as Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey's office, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Houston and Liz's family, dedicates the “We Remember Memorial Bench” in her honor. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Burroughs Park’s large pavilion, located at 9738 Hufsmith Road in Tomball, Texas. This event provides an opportunity for friends, family, and supporters to celebrate Liz's life, reflect on her tragic death, and renew efforts to seek justice in her unsolved case.
The Life of Elizabeth Nuelle Barraza
Elizabeth Marie Nuelle Barraza, born on June 26, 1989, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, was cherished for her creativity, kindness, and vibrant spirit. A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Harry Potter series, Liz found joy in literature, movies, and fandoms that brought people together. After graduating from Klein Collins High School in 2008, she earned her psychology degree from Sam Houston State University in 2012.
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While in college, Liz met her husband, Sergio Barraza, and the pair bonded over shared interests, including costuming and attending the Texas Renaissance Festival. Both were active members of the 501st Legion Star Garrison, where Liz had two approved costumes and served as an event coordinator. Married in 2014, the couple settled in Spring, Texas, where they built a life filled with love and shared hobbies, including doting on their dachshund, Diesel.
The Tragic Death of Elizabeth Barraza
On the morning of January 26, 2019, Liz was preparing for a garage sale outside her home in the Princeton Place subdivision, hoping to raise extra money for an upcoming anniversary trip to Florida with her husband. As she worked, a dark-colored Nissan Frontier truck pulled up. The driver exited, approached Liz, and fatally shot her at close range before fleeing. Despite the efforts of neighbors and first responders, Liz succumbed to her injuries at Memorial Hermann Hospital later that day.
Liz's death sent shockwaves through her community. An organ donor, she left a legacy of life, giving her heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas to others in need, saving lives and providing hope even in the midst of tragedy.
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Reward and Case Status
The investigation into Liz Barraza's murder remains active with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Although several detectives have overseen the case, it is now led by Sgt. Michael Ritchie, who returned to the Homicide Division in 2023, working alongside Sgt. Jeff Thomas.
Initially, Crime Stoppers offered a $5,000 reward for information, which grew to $20,000 thanks to contributions from the Peter Mayhew Foundation and Liz's family. In 2022, the reward was raised again to $50,000 after a GoFundMe campaign. Despite these efforts, Liz's murder remains unsolved, and her family continues to seek answers.
The dedication of the memorial bench at Burroughs Park serves as both a tribute to Liz’s memory and a call to action for anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Houston. Together, the community hopes to bring closure and justice to those who loved Elizabeth Barraza.
For additional information on the memorial event, contact Harris County Precinct 3 at 713-274-3151 or email events@pct3.hctx.net, and attendees can register online here.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
