For more than a decade, one question haunted investigators: who killed Irasema Chavez? Now, 14 years after her death, police say a major breakthrough has finally emerged.
Authorities in Texas have arrested Mayra Velasquez, 42, in connection with the 2012 murder of 32-year-old Irasema Chavez, who was found dead inside her Arlington apartment.
Velasquez faces a capital murder by terror threat charge, according to jail records. She remains in custody at the Tarrant County Jail as investigators continue to examine the case.
Police discovered Chavez’s body on January 20, 2012. Investigators said she had suffered a fatal stabbing inside her apartment on South Collins Street in Arlington. The shocking crime launched a lengthy investigation, but the case remained unsolved for years.
Early evidence suggested Chavez may have known her attacker. Police found no signs of forced entry, and surveillance footage from the night before the killing showed a person approaching her apartment, knocking on the door, and entering after Chavez opened it.
The case took a major turn when investigators used advances in DNA technology. In 2016, police created a DNA profile from evidence collected at the scene and worked with Parabon NanoLabs to develop possible information about the suspect.
Years later, the Arlington Police Department partnered with the FBI Dallas Field Office in 2024. Investigators used advanced genetic genealogy techniques that produced a new lead and eventually helped identify Velasquez.
Criminologist Dr. Alex Del Carmen said the breakthrough highlights how modern DNA analysis is changing investigations.
“It’s not based on a guess,” he said. “It’s based on the DNA.”
Velasquez, who previously worked as a sales representative and realtor, now awaits further court proceedings. Authorities have not revealed the exact relationship between her and Chavez at the time of the killing.
After 14 years of unanswered questions, Chavez’s family and loved ones may finally receive some answers as the investigation moves forward.
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