Arrest Made Two Decades After Pregnant Woman Found Dead in Texas Cemetery

Twenty years after the tragic death of Valerie Laguna, a pregnant woman found lifeless in a Texas cemetery, authorities have made a significant breakthrough in what had been a cold case. The arrest of a suspect now brings renewed hope for justice for Ms. Laguna’s family and the community that has long mourned her loss. This development highlights the power of modern forensic science, persistence by law enforcement, and the enduring importance of remembering victims.

Cold Case Breakthrough After Two Decades

Valerie Laguna, 26 years old and nine months pregnant, was discovered deceased on July 19, 2005, at the Cristo Rey Cemetery in Cotulla, Texas. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Despite exhaustive efforts over the years, the case remained unsolved, with the suspect evading identification for two decades. However, recent advances in forensics have led to the arrest of a 66-year-old man, Saul Gonzalez, who now faces capital murder charges.

The Circumstances of the Case

On the morning of July 19, 2005, Valerie was last seen alive at a private residence in Cotulla. Hours later, her body was found at the cemetery, a discovery that shocked the small community. Authorities described the crime as brutally violent, and the fate of her unborn child also weighed heavily on investigators and residents alike. The case became a top priority for the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, which has worked tirelessly through multiple leadership changes to pursue justice.

Forensic Science Unlocks New Leads

The pivotal breakthrough came as "advanced forensic investigators" applied modern techniques to reexamine the evidence. Collaboration between the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and Williamson County Sheriff's Office was crucial in uncovering a DNA link to Gonzalez. These forensic advancements underscore how technology continues to aid cold case investigations, offering new opportunities to resolve crimes once thought unsolvable.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Saul Gonzalez was arrested peacefully in Cotulla and was swiftly indicted by a La Salle County grand jury. He is charged with capital murder and is currently held on a $1 million bond. With the case moving into the prosecution phase, authorities have withheld many investigative details to protect the integrity of the trial process. The community now awaits the trial that aims to bring accountability after two decades of uncertainty.

Community and Law Enforcement Reflect on Progress

Sheriff Hector Ramirez expressed the arrest as a critical step toward justice and healing for Valerie’s family and the wider community. “For twenty years, this community has carried the memory of a terrible loss,” Ramirez said in a statement. He emphasized that resolving the case goes beyond the crime itself—it’s about honoring Valerie’s memory, giving her a voice, and restoring hope to those who have suffered. This moment signals a profound opportunity for closure after years of pain.