Texas DPS Increases Reward In Connection with Cold Case Homicide
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for the public’s help in solving the 2005 murder of Valerie Benevidez Laguna.
Authorities have increased the reward of up to $6,000. for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible if the tip is received before next month’s featured case is announced. (A $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest is routinely offered on all cases on the Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Homicides website.)
On the evening of July 19, 2005, the body of Valerie Laguna, 26, was found at the Cristo Rey Cemetery (pictured below) near Cotulla, in LaSalle County. She was eight months pregnant and last seen at a private residence in the early morning hours on July 19.
The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Despite an intensive investigation by the Texas Rangers and the La Salle County Sheriff’s office, the case remains unsolved.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous
Individuals also can submit information through the Texas Ranger Cold Case website or by contacting us at 1-800-346-3243 (DPS Missing Persons Hotline).