Woman Arrested 14 Years After Stabbing Friend 100 Times in Texas

Mayra Velázquez, a 42-year-old Mexican woman, was arrested on July 17, 2026, for the 2012 murder of her friend Irasema Chávez, who was stabbed over 100 times in her Arlington, Texas apartment. The cold case was solved using genetic genealogy and DNA analysis after 14 years. Source: infobae

The Crime

On January 20, 2012, Irasema Chávez, 33, was found dead in her apartment on South Collins Street with more than 100 stab wounds. There were no signs of forced entry, suggesting she knew her attacker. Source: mileniomx

The Investigation

Initial evidence, including biological material not matching the victim and surveillance footage, did not lead to a suspect. The case remained open until 2024, when authorities applied investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) with the FBI's Dallas office. New DNA analysis pointed to Velázquez, who had been living openly and working as a real estate agent, posting luxury travels on social media. Source: heraldomx Source: hoydo

The Arrest

Velázquez was charged with capital murder and held without bond. She had previously expressed grief over Chávez's death on social media, surprising family and friends. The FBI is expected to provide further updates. Source: mileniomx