A Jackson County judge has accepted a guilty plea from Rafael Romero in the murder of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina, a beloved Edna cheerleader.

Romero now faces two life sentences for murder and aggravated robbery, plus a 20-year sentence for burglary to be served consecutively.

The verdict brings some closure to Medina’s family, though emotions ran high in the courtroom. Cameras were not allowed, but Lizbeth’s mother, Jacqueline Medina, read an emotional impact statement through tears. She spoke with KPRC 2 news reporter Corley Peel after the hearing.

READ: Rafael Romero to spend life in prison for Edna cheerleader’s murder

“It’s something we’ve been waiting for over a year. Hearing those words—‘guilty’—that’s what we needed to hear,” she said.

Medina was found stabbed to death in h

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