Father’s dying wish renews urgency in unsolved 2019 Liz Barraza murder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Seven years after Elizabeth “Liz’ Barraza was gunned down in her driveway, her father says time is of the essence to find her killer.

The 29-year-old was shot and killed on the morning of Jan. 25, 2019, outside her home on Cedar Walk Drive near Tomball. She was setting up for a garage sale.

Her parents, Rosemary and Robert “Bob” Nuelle, have spent years pleading for information in a case that continues to frustrate investigators.

As the anniversary approaches, that plea has taken on new urgency.

“I could be around for a couple of years, or it could be a couple of months,” Bob said. “It’s in God’s hands.”

Bob Nuelle was diagnosed last year with stage four esophageal cancer that has spread to his liver, lungs, lymph nodes, femur, and spine, he says. He has lost 150 pounds and relies on a feeding tube.

The difference in his appearance is stunning.

During an interview with ABC13, Bob wore the same T-shirt he wore at Liz’s vigil seven years ago. Now, it swallows him.

Despite his declining health, the Nuelles say their determination to find justice for their daughter has only intensified.

“We want people to see the bar is raised,” Bob said. “There is a sense of urgency. I have a sense of urgency.”

Investigators believe Liz’s murder was carefully planned. The suspect, who was disguised, waited for Liz’s husband to leave for work before opening fire with a revolver, a weapon that does not eject shell casings. Nothing was stolen, and there is still no clear motive.

Liz’s family believes it may have been a targeted killing, but she had no known enemies, they say. She was a member of a Star Wars charity group and well-liked.

Several cameras in the neighborhood, including the Barrazas’, captured a dark-colored Nissan Frontier, believed to be the suspect’s. The video was widely released. Still, no arrests have been made.

“This case is still very active,” Harris County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Ritchie said. “We do have evidence left at the scene. Technology is getting better, and I believe soon we’ll be able to do something with it.”

Ritchie says someone knows something. There is a $50,000 Crime Stoppers reward for information leading to an arrest.

For Bob Nuelle, his wish is simple.

“If you ever needed to pull on your heartstrings. A 67-year-old man dying and not knowing who shot his daughter,” he said. “I’m hoping this makes it hard to keep that silence.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online. Tips can be made anonymously.

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