Woman arrested 14 years after Texas stabbing killed victim 100 times
DNA breakthrough leads to arrest in 14-year-old Texas murder case
Texas woman has been arrested more than 14 years after a 32-year-old woman was found stabbed about 100 times in her apartment, following a breakthrough in DNA analysis that revived the long-unsolved case.
People reported Mayra Velasquez, 42, was charged with capital murder on July 17 in connection with the January 2012 killing of Irasema Chavez in Arlington, Texas. She is being held without bond at the Tarrant County Jail.
DNA breakthrough revived cold case
Chavez was found dead in her South Collins Street apartment on Jan. 20, 2012, after suffering around 100 stab wounds.
Investigators were initially unable to identify the killer despite releasing surveillance footage that showed a person entering Chavez's apartment the night before the attack.
In 2016, police developed a DNA profile from blood recovered at the crime scene and submitted it to Parabon NanoLabs, which created a predicted image of the suspect.
The investigation gained fresh momentum in November 2024 when the Arlington Police Department partnered with the FBI's Dallas Field Office and used advanced investigative genetic genealogy technology to identify a new lead that ultimately resulted in Velasquez's arrest.
Investigators believe victim knew attacker
Police previously determined there were no signs of forced entry into Chavez's apartment, suggesting she likely knew the person who attacked her.
Surveillance footage released during the original investigation showed an individual wearing a hoodie and baggy trousers approaching Chavez's apartment, knocking on the door and entering after speaking with someone inside.
Authorities have not disclosed how Velasquez and Chavez knew each other or what investigators believe motivated the killing.
Suspect remains in custody
According to reports, Velasquez most recently worked as a sales representative for a limousine company and as a realtor.
Criminologist Dr. Alex Del Carmen, who is not involved in the investigation, said advances in DNA analysis have transformed cold case investigations by providing evidence based on genetic profiles rather than witness accounts.
Velasquez remains in custody while the investigation continues.
