Police on a 14-year-old cold case murder that led to the arrest of a North Texas woman using DNA

[00:00:16]Hey.

[00:00:29]Heat. Heat.

[00:01:06]More than 1,000 Fort Worth ISD teachers are no longer with the district since the state announced a takeover last year. Then some left voluntarily while others were pushed out. And it's leaving many parents asking now why. So Lacy Beasley is our lead education reporter here at CBS News Texas. She joins us live in Fort Worth this morning with more. Good morning, Lacy.

[00:01:28]>> Good morning, Carmen and Madison. Now, we're less than three weeks away from the first day of school for Fort Worth ISD. This district has a newly stateapp appointed board of managers and a stateappointed superintendent. So, at last night's board meeting, some parents took this as an opportunity to speak up before that first bell rings.

[00:01:47]>> This is our final board meeting before school starts, and have to be honest, I'm a little nervous. There's no secret that many people are concerned about the massive teacher res resignation since the state intervention.

[00:01:59]>> And this is why this hostile takeover needs to continue to be called what it is.

[00:02:06]There is no negotiating with y'all or that y'all will fix anything. Y'all are clearly here to destroy public education.

[00:02:17]Now, parents lined up in concern over educators leaving the classroom within Fort Worth ISD. Superintendent Dr. Pete Lacata says since January, there have been 1,026 separations. Now, that means a few different things, either resignations, retirements, or relocations. He also adds that includes some promotions. He says many of those resignations are from the Elevate campuses, which are the 19 lowest performing campuses within the district under a new teaching model. Dr. Lacata says they have filled most of the positions with only about 23 vacancies.

[00:02:51]Now, he also says there were departures because of the stateappointed board.

[00:02:56]>> Yeah, there's there's no question about it. Uh when there's an intervention from the state, uh if you do your historical research, you see that there is significant changeover. Um and that's there's various reasons. Some folks are scared. Some folks have an opportunity to go somewhere else. But more importantly, some folks are just not interested in in following the set guidelines and we what we believe in our model which has shown to increase student achievement and that's okay. Uh we just want the best person in front of our teach our students.

[00:03:26]>> Now parents have reached out to me with concerns specifically about those Elevate campuses. That includes changing some classroom layouts for this upcoming school year and also taking down all wall displays. So, I just reached out to Fort Worth ISD to confirm this information as well as what other changes teachers can expect this upcoming school year. That first day of school is August 10th. Carmen Madison.

[00:03:47]>> All right. We'll be watching those developments play out. Meanwhile, today, President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the dignified transfer of US service members killed in the war with Iran over the weekend. That includes a soldier from North Texas. The Pentagon released this photo of Army Private Isabella Gonzalez from Carolton. She was killed in Iran's attack on base in Jordan. And last night, city leaders in Carolton honored her life and sacrifice through a special tribute.

[00:04:15]>> She signed up willingly and able to put service above self. Uh we have to honor.

[00:04:20]>> As a mom today, we mourn alongside those who knew and loved her.

[00:04:25]We honor her sacrifice and give thanks for her service and hold close the memory of a young woman who willingly stood in defense of our nation and the freedoms that we cherish.

[00:04:38]>> American Legion Post 597 has set up a fund to help support Gonzalez's family and all of the money raised will be donated to her mother. City leaders say her mother and sister are now at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where plans are underway for a military funeral.

[00:04:53]Gonzalez will be laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery and a community vigil is also planned. The Pentagon also says 30-year Army Sergeant Michael Emanuel Swinton of North Carolina was killed by the controlled detonation of Iranian drone in Iraq. So, this all comes as the Defense Department says that US forces carried out an 11th day of strikes on Iran overnight. And the cost of that conflict is also getting much larger now. Defense Secretary Pete Hgse put the price tag at 37.5 billion dollars to date. But sources tell CBS News that that number could be much higher. Hegath clashed with the Armed Services Committee on Tuesday over the next round of billions of dollars in funding being requested.

[00:05:36]>> You, sir, are the failure. Leadership leadership leadership. When will you show Why don't you show some leadership and stand up to your fellow Democrats who won't fund the troops who stand and play partisan politics while you don't give us the money?

[00:05:49]Well, gas prices continue to rise amid the fight over the street of Hermoose.

[00:05:53]And the average price for just a gallon of regular unled gas right now in Texas rose 20 cents from just a week ago. It's now 368. And in Dallas, the average is around $3.71.

[00:06:06]In Fort Worth, it's $368.

[00:06:10]We want to check in with the assignment desk and Denica Hill in our newsroom.

[00:06:14]Denica, what are you looking at this morning?

[00:06:16]>> Hey, good morning. So, I have an update on a cold case that we've been following. And now the now 80year-old suspect arrested in connection for murdering his or accused of murdering his wife's best friend back in 1981 has now bonded out of the town Tarant County jail. And here's the information that we do know this morning. So, take a look at your screen. This is now 80-year-old Larry Dean Brown. He is charged with the death of 35-year-old Beverly Bruno back in 1981. And according to court records, Brown posted a $100,000 bond after being extradited from Colorado to Texas. Now, investigators say they used DNA from soda bottles in Brown's trash to link Brown to the decades old murder. Now, the affidavit alleges that he killed Bruno as he was trying to pressure her into signing allegedly fraudulent home insurance documents. As a condition of his release, the judge has ordered Brown to remain on a 24-hour GPS monitored house arrest, no contact with the victim's family, turn in any weapons, no alcohol or illegal drugs, and to report to Tarant County. Now, this morning, I am working to try and figure out exactly where he will be on house arrest. Will he be allowed to go back home to Colorado or will be he have to stay here in Texas? That's not exactly clear from what I'm seeing in the paperwork as of right now. But of course, there's a lot of evidence and stuff to go through here this morning to try and piece that all together. Also, according to the Tarant County court doc, an evidence exchange is set for next month. So, we do know that this is still very much under investigation as they're piecing this case together. Right now, I don't have any information about a trial or anything set just yet, but that's something we are looking at. We will let you know any developments as soon as we get them here at the desk. Denique, another story that y'all are digging into at the desk is a TCU students that's been detained by ICE after he was arrested during a traffic stop. Court records show that Luis Andrade Garcia was arrested in Arlington for disorderly conduct and for running away from police last month. His fraternity says he was processed at an immigration center in Louisiana. Now, we don't know how he came in to live to in the United States, and it's also unclear if he has been deported. Well, DART has chosen its next president and CEO. The agency has selected Nathaniel Ford, Senior, a longtime transit executive who most recently led the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Ford has also held leadership roles with transit systems in New York, San Fran, and Atlanta. DART leaders say that Ford brings decades of experience and a proven track record of improving public transportation systems. He will officially take over as president and CEO on October 26 of this year.

[00:09:31]Heat.

[00:09:47]Heat.

[00:10:07]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:10:43]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:11:46]As the cycllo psoriasis outbreak continues, we're getting a count of the cases across the state of Texas. So, as of July 20th, Texas had 98 lab confirmed domestically acquired cases of the stomach virus so far. And that stomach parasite is linked to lettuce has now been connected to more than 4,000 cases across 41 states. But the Secretary of Health and Human Services says that outbreak is under control and is now pushing back against criticism that job cuts led to weak spots in regulation.

[00:12:17]CBS's Jared Hill has the latest.

[00:12:21]>> From New Jersey, >> we're coming and checking out, you know, the local farms >> to Indiana.

[00:12:25]>> We took more lettuce than we've ever taken before to the Franklin Farmers Market.

[00:12:28]>> A shift to local produce trying to avoid the lingering cycllospora outbreak.

[00:12:33]Jessica Mard was in the hospital for 10 days. I'm really really weak. I lay down a lot. Like I'm uh this morning I struggled getting up.

[00:12:40]>> She thinks she was infected after eating bagged lettuce from Taylor Farms.

[00:12:44]Despite a false positive test, the FDA says it's confident the outbreak is tied to iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms in central Mexico.

[00:12:53]>> We do have the outbreak under control.

[00:12:55]>> Amid criticism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

[00:12:58]denies budget cuts impacted food safety monitoring. We did cuts in the food net program, but they were for redundant surveillance.

[00:13:06]>> My team was reduced from 11 to three people.

[00:13:09]>> Joel Barrett ran the CDC's lab before he quit.

[00:13:12]>> I think the loss of staff on the cycllospora laboratory team did likely delay the response.

[00:13:20]>> The outbreak now has Americans changing how they eat.

[00:13:23]>> I was like, you know what? Let me change what I get from like places like Chipotle or like Cabba that that have lettuce. Stock prices for a slew of fast casual restaurants are taking a hit despite not being linked to the parasite or Taylor Farms. The CEO of Sweet Green says he's confident in their produce.

[00:13:42]>> We know down to the the lot number which farm it came from.

[00:13:45]>> He says none comes from Mexico.

[00:13:47]Meanwhile, the FDA's investigation continues. Jared Hill, CBS News.

[00:13:54]>> Good morning. I'm First Alert meteorologist Michael Oavino. It's a first alert weather day today across DFW because we have extreme heat on the way.

[00:14:02]Feels like temperatures this afternoon as hot as 116°. We have an extreme heat warning in effect for almost all of our viewing area. This is basically the National Weather Service saying, "Hey, this heat is very dangerous. You want to limit your time outside for today. And if you will be outdoors, you want to practice your heat safety tips." An extreme heat warning is the highest heat warning that the National Weather Service can issue. And this is in effect from noon today until 8:00 tonight. And then we have a heat advisory that's in place for tomorrow. Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. We hit 106° across DFW. It was actually the hottest day since August 19th, 2024. So last summer, we really got spirit of a lot of these triple digit days. A little bit different outside for this year.

[00:14:46]Current temperatures are already on the hot side. We're sitting at right around uh 6:20 in the morning. We're at 89 in Dallas, 84 in Fort Worth, 77 in Mineral Wells, and we're seeing 80 degrees right now in Waxahhatchee. So, as we move throughout the day for today, you want to brace for the heat. Again, wear loose, light fitted clothing if you'll be outdoors. Take a look at what we're expecting for the next couple of days.

[00:15:08]We have a little bit of a break tomorrow in terms of our heat index values.

[00:15:11]Instead of 105, instead of 115, we'll be feeling like 105. But then looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, more tripledigit heat is on the way. And I have triple digits in my seven-day forecast. In fact, for the next 10 days as well, and there's a chance by next week, our actual temperatures may get even hotter.

[00:15:28]Te check this out. For this weekend, 102 on Sunday. Then by Monday, 104, 105 by Tuesday, and then by Wednesday and Thursday, we're at 107. The reason for this next week, our humidity levels will drop slightly. So when you have lower due points or lower humidity, lower moisture, we see temperatures rise up a little bit more. And then by next weekend, still in the triple digits as well. Believe it or not, there's still a slim 10% chance of a pop-up shower or two, mainly southwest of the metroplex into this afternoon into this evening.

[00:15:57]Otherwise, we see a mixture of clouds, some sunshine, and that will continue to keep us on the hot side for today. Let's talk really quick about tropical storm Bertha. Notice it's 165 miles souths southwest of Panama City, Florida. We're going to be seeing a tropical storm conditions into areas like New Orleans for today. It's a slowmoving system.

[00:16:15]that's going to weaken as it makes its way towards the Texas coast. And once it reaches the Texas coast, we could see some rainfall, some isolated flash flooding, definitely some rip currents and some strong waves and some gusty winds. As far as what our impacts will be here in DFW, a slight uptick in our winds and a slight uptick in our humidity as well, but other than that, it's overall uh not going to be a big uh weather maker for us and not a big impact event. Let's take a look at your First Alert 7-day forecast. Here we go.

[00:16:43]We see temperatures continuing to stay into the triple digits. 104 for your Wednesday, which is today, 100 by Thursday and Friday, 102 on Saturday.

[00:16:52]And we will stay into the triple digits for the weekend and into next week.

[00:17:39]Heat. Heat.

[00:18:00]Hey. Hey. Hey.

[00:18:26]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:18:53]Heat. Heat.

[00:19:28]Heat. Heat.

[00:19:54]Heat. Heat. N.

[00:20:10]Well, the First Alert weather team has been telling us to get ready for the very hot weather and excessive heat warnings mean the air conditioners will be working pretty much in overtime. And in turn, that means that the electric bill will be going up and up. And in today's making ends meet, we're talking about the comprehensive energy assistance program. It's a utility assistance program for qualifying households that is typically administered by counties or other government groups. So in Dallas County, there's support for home cooling units that you can utilize. The program is run through the county's health and human services.

[00:20:44]The eligibility is really uh for persons who are 150% or lower of the federal poverty uh income guidelines. And uh you know, but it's a great resource to help people pay their energy bills, uh gas bills, uh propane bills, things like that, especially in these situations that are extreme temperatures. We've uh given out about $7 million in utility assistance for this year alone thus far.

[00:21:11]Uh we also you know for um providing some emergency uh AC units uh and I think we have uh given out about 50 of those thus far we have another 350 available.

[00:21:24]>> Well again contact your county and they can help to direct you. Now if you don't qualify there are still some ways to try and shave some money off of your electric bill. Relion is actually among the many energy companies offering suggestions including the 4x4 principle.

[00:21:38]All you have to do is just set the thermostat 4° higher when you won't be home for more than 4 hours. Then you can set the AC fan to auto instead of the on setting, which can actually make the AC unit work harder. Close your blinds and shades on sunny days just like today.

[00:21:54]And then avoid heat producing appliances like uh your clothes dryer, your dishwasher even, or an oven during the hottest parts of the day.

[00:22:33]Heat. Heat. N.

[00:23:11]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:23:50]Ah, Heat. Heat.

[00:25:16]Well, the two of us and our producers, we got together this morning and talked about a few stories that caught our eye.

[00:25:21]All right, State Fair, Texas. It's getting there and it's getting closer and they just announced some more musical acts during opening weekend. The lineup is going to include the popular western swing band known as Texas Zipers Zephers. That is streamers Tom and the US Army First Cavalry Division Band. They are also in the lineup. There are three stages where visitors can listen to music all during the fair.

[00:25:47]Other artists include the Bird Dogs, the Tahas Brothers, and the Dallasbased jazz band known as the Heat Race. The fun all kicks off September 25th. We're excited for the state fair.

[00:25:58]>> Yeah. Oh, we can't wait. That's one of our favorite times of the year. It's like Christmas here for us.

[00:26:02]>> I know. Did Did you know what I get to do this year? I get to judge the Big Touch Choice Awards.

[00:26:06]>> Yes. Tell everybody else.

[00:26:08]>> I didn't. So, there you go. Surprise.

[00:26:10]>> Okay. Well, the musician uh CIA is taking her talents from the stage now to the big screen.

[00:26:20]So in the new film seeing nostalgic for the present and the singer revisits her 2016 world tour for remastered 10th anniversary special and she was actually a co-director on the film and she hopes that it's viewed more than a piece of art than as a concert film. So see a nostalgic for the present heads to select theaters tomorrow. Okay.

[00:26:40]Meanwhile, I've got a movie on the horizon that I'm going to be watching this weekend, and you might want to, too. Actor Kevin Hart coming out with a new comedy, and it's called 72 Hours. It is a star-studded cast. You're seeing them all there. They hit the red carpet in New York, to promote the comedy. The film takes Joe, who's played by Kevin Hartford Adventure. Uh, he joins in on a bachelor party with men that are literally half his age.

[00:27:05]>> I have no idea you were like 50.

[00:27:06]>> No, man. I'm 40. That's still so many years to be.

[00:27:12]>> So 72 Hours heads to Netflix on Friday.

[00:27:15]They've been doing clearly a press tour on this film. Every single interview with Kevin and Marcelo have been hilarious. So they clearly have chemistry and and it's going to be fun to watch.

[00:27:26]>> And we just love Kevin Hart in general.

[00:27:27]So it's going to be great.

[00:28:00]Heat.

[00:28:13]Heat.

[00:28:22]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:29:14]Hey, hey, hey.

[00:29:39]Heat. Heat.

[00:30:12]It's a hot Wednesday.

[00:30:13]>> I was going to say I got into the car and even this morning at 2 a.m. I was like, "Am I sticking to the seats?"

[00:30:18]>> Yeah, you were. I mean, it was 90° this morning at 2 a.m. and it still is.

[00:30:21]>> I know. So, let's go ahead and take a look at the power grid. We know so many of y'all wonder how supply and demand looks like this time of year. So Urkott is saying that it's forecasting record demand for this week. But there is good news in all this. It believes that the grid will hold. Their live look at supply and demand shows that the tightest conditions are expected around 8:00 p.m. later on this evening. But right now, there are no concerns around forced outages or rolling blackouts. At 6:30, we got to check in with Michael and the First Alert forecast. Michael, we've issued another First Alert weather day just because of that extreme heat.

[00:30:54]>> Yes, that's right. First Alert weather day is in place for today. Due to the extreme heat, it's going to feel as hot as 116 degrees at times. That's why the National Weather Service has an extreme heat warning in place. This is the highest heat alert that they can issue, basically saying, "Hey, the heat's at dangerous levels. You want to limit your time outside. Just stay indoors for today. Soak up the air conditioner. The power grid's doing good." And of course, we're grateful for that. The hottest temperature so far this year happened yesterday at DFW. We hit 106°, 10 degrees above average, and it was actually the hottest day since August 19th of 2024. Here's how the heat plays out for the next couple of days. 104 for today. It's a First Alert weather day.

[00:31:33]Tomorrow and Friday, we see a slight uptick in our humidity, so our temperatures won't get as hot. We should be at the 100 degree mark for tomorrow, 100 by Friday. We see some clouds building in, but take a look at our temperatures right now. 77 in Denton, 80 in McKenna, 89 in Dallas, 80 in Wahhatchee. Hour by hour throughout the day. We'll be at 100 by noon, 103 by three o'clock, and then notice by the second half of the day for today, we will see the triple digit heat continue.

[00:31:59]Lacy, te tell us more about the heat safety tips you're keeping an eye on.

[00:32:05]Hey, good morning, Michael. Well, Texans are definitely used to the heat, but these tripledigit temperatures we're seeing this week are especially dangerous. Now, if you're outside for more than just a few minutes, you could be exposed to heat exhaustion or even worse, a heat stroke. Now, on Tuesday, we felt the heat alongside construction workers in East Dallas who've been on the same job site for the last 10 days.

[00:32:27]They use hats and long sleeves to protect themselves from the sun and take frequent breaks to stay hydrated. They start the day earlier and wrap up before the hottest parts of the day. And the Dallas Builder Association, which works with many Metroplex construction sites, says it regularly shares heat safety guidance with crews.

[00:32:45]>> Workers don't want to stop necessarily because of heat. Uh they're going to do what's what it takes to get the work done. You get a little acclimated to it, but it can sneak up on you. You just need to take care of yourself and make sure you're hydrated.

[00:33:00]>> Now, it can be difficult to tell the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While heat exhaustion includes dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea. The signs of heat stroke are confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness. If you if you suspect anyone does show these symptoms, call 911 if they're experiencing a heat stroke. And in both cases, you want to move the person to a cooler area and cool them with water or ice. Now, the time to stay out of the sun today is between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00. If you do have to be outside, make sure you're staying under the shade and drink lots of water. Carmen Madison.

[00:33:35]>> Okay, Lacy. Of course, all good advice.

[00:33:38]Thank you. Well, there are dozens of cooling centers open across North Texas.

[00:33:41]This is, of course, to help people stay cool. The city of Fort Worth and the city of Dallas have buildings like libraries set up for those needing a break from all the heat. And the Salvation Army of North Texas has several spots as well as hydration stations that are set up, too. You can find more information on where these are throughout the metroplex and on the city and Salvation Army's websites. And by the way, if it's hot for you, it's even hotter for your pets. So, Dallas Animal Services says during all these excessive heat warnings, it's important to keep animals hydrated and indoors if possible. So, just like people, dogs and cats, they can suffer from heat stroke as well. Those warning signs include excessive panting, drooling, acting lethargic, even vomiting. And if you notice any of those symptoms, you should definitely contact your vet immediately.

[00:34:26]>> Make sure they have plenty of water.

[00:34:28]Make sure they're they're not doing something you wouldn't do. Um if you wouldn't walk on the hot sidewalk, then they shouldn't be walking on the hot sidewalk. If you wouldn't sit in a car in 100°ree heat, they should not be sitting in a car. If you see a pet in a hot car, you are asked to act immediately. Pavement is also a problem.

[00:34:46]They don't have socks, so of course they feel the entirety of that heat on their paws. So, if it's too hot for you to stand on the sidewalk comfortably barefoot, then it's certainly too hot for them. And lastly, limit outdoor exercise during those peak times of the day.

[00:35:03]We want to check in this morning with the desk. So, let's get over to the newsroom and get to Denika Hill who's live for us this morning at the desk.

[00:35:09]And Denica, you actually have an update for us. New video from Fort Worth police involving a car chase that sent them all the way to Dallas.

[00:35:17]>> Yeah, that is right. too. Police have just released this video showing different angles, different vantage points of this chase that went from Fort Worth all the way into Dallas. So, take a look at your screen. I want to show you some of the video they released this morning. So, they say this started as a narcotics investigation. You could see officers had this vehicle pulled over, but they hit a U-turn in the middle of the street, hitting an officer's vehicle, and then the chase begins. And you could see overhead this all along the Metroplex highways. At one point, that vehicle finally gets off of the highway and starts going through the roadways, which is extremely dangerous.

[00:35:54]You could see them ducking and dodging traffic there. Now, police say this actually came to an end because they threw out the spike strips. That's got the car to stop and you can see them pulling those suspects out. Now, they say that those two suspects were taken into custody and you can see it here on your screen inside of that vehicle. They say they got 5 kilos of meth off of the street this morning. We also have learned that police say three people in total were arrested in connection with this. They say they have been charged with manufacturing and delivering meth as a result of this investigation. So, a lot there that police have released and been transparent with us. So, we're going to continue to go through this video and see what else we can pull from it. But that's what we're looking at here at the assignment desk.

[00:36:39]>> Okay, Denica, thank you so much.

[00:36:41]>> Good morning. and I'm Carmen Blackwell and we are standing by right now to hear from Arlington police and the FBI about the arrest of a suspect in a 2012 cold case murder. On Monday, Arlington PD arrested 42-year-old realer Myron Velasquez for capital murder in the death of 32-year-old Iraimma Chavez, who was found stabbed 100 times in her apartment. Law enforcement used genetic genealogy to identify the suspect in this case, and we're about to learn more. So, let's listen in now.

[00:37:28]Good morning and thank you for being here. I'm Al Jones. I'm the chief of police for the city of Arlington. I am grateful to stand here with our partners from the FBI to share that by working together we made an arrest on a 14-year-old murder case. You may recall two years ago I stood here and told you about a cold case we solved with the help of FBI and their investigative genetic genealogy team. This technique has been a gamecher for law enforcement and it helped uh provide answers to families and communities uh who have waited years to receive.

[00:38:06]Given the promise of investigative gen G gen genetic genealogy showed in the first case, we began looking for other cases that would be a good uh candidate for this process.

[00:38:20]and we took a case uh to the FBI from 2012 uh that thought we thought that may fit the bill.

[00:38:29]On January 20th, 2012, approximately 8:50 a.m., officers were responded to an apartment complex at the 2700 block of South Colin Street with 32year-old Era Sema Chavez was fatally uh brutally stabbed death inside.

[00:38:52]The Taran County medical examiners later determined that she was stabbed more than 100 times. A TV was reported missing from the apartment. We believe that the to the killer took uh took the TV. Detectives at the time conducted a very thorough investigation, pursued several leads, but they could not fully identify the suspect.

[00:39:16]The strong lead that uh we had was a droplet of fresh blood that was recovered from a t bedroom TV stand inside the apartment.

[00:39:26]The crime lab determined that the blood sample did not come from the victim and it belonged to an unidentified Hispanic female. Detectives uploaded the DNA uh profile into Cotus, which is a national database used to compare DNA profiles in criminal investigations, but we've never got a match.

[00:39:50]So in two and so in November 2024, our homicide detectives uh unit met with the FBI and let them know about the unknown uh DNA profile we had. We asked the the FBI if they consider using the investigative genetic genealogy to generate a lead for us. Uh they were graciously they graciously agreed. And I would like to uh bring up uh FBI special agent in charge Joe Rothrock to talk about the investigative genetic genealogy and the work they put into this case.

[00:40:29]>> Thank you and good morning. I'm Joe Roth, special agent in charge of FBI Dallas. I want to start by thanking Chief Jones and the Arlington Police Department for their collaboration on the Irma Chavez investigation.

[00:40:41]As the chief mentioned, in November of 2024, the Arlington Homicide Unit met with the FBI to discuss whether this case would be a good candidate for investigative genetic genealogy, or IGG.

[00:40:54]IGG is a technique that combines unidentified crime scene DNA with traditional genealogy research to identify new leads for law enforcement.

[00:41:04]It starts with an unknown DNA sample recovered from a scene. That sample is then submitted to a publicly accessible genealogy service to identify potential relatives of the unknown DNA profile.

[00:41:16]Investigators then begin the process of constructing a family tree of individuals identified as potential relatives. This is a resource inensive process.

[00:41:28]It's only accomplished by reviewing publicly available resource uh records.

[00:41:33]Leads are built based on those possible genetic relationships to the unknown DNA sample.

[00:41:39]FBI personnel review individuals within the family tree who could potentially be the suspect. Compare them to information such as witness accounts, location, and timing of the crime to identify a likely suspect. Only then do we seek a comparison of DNA between the potential suspect and the unknown DNA from the crime scene. Based on this work, in April of 2026, our IGG team identified Arlington Police Department that a potential suspect had been identified.

[00:42:11]This is the second time the FBI has stood along the Arlington Police Department to announce a breakthrough in a cold case using IGG.

[00:42:18]IG is one of the most valuable tools that law enforcement has today. Since 2018, the FBI has effectively used this method to assist in solving nearly 250 cases across 30 states. I want to again thank the Arlington Police Department for their collaboration on this investigation. It's our hope that today's announcement brings a measure of comfort to Irma's family and to the larger community of Arlington. I'll turn it back over to Chief Jones.

[00:42:46]Thank you.

[00:42:51]So earlier this year, our homicide detective got a call from the FBI letting them know that the IGG process had identified a potential suspect, 42 42-year-old Myra Velasquez.

[00:43:08]She was a close friend of the victim who lived just few miles away from the crime scene. With this new information in hand, our homicide unit began conducting follow-up investigation into Miss Velasquez.

[00:43:21]In May, they were able to obtain a sample of DNA from a discarded trash, and we sent it to our crime lab for further analysis.

[00:43:32]The lab determined that the DNA was a match to the droplet of blood recovered from the crime scene. After consulting with the Tarant County DA's office, we obtained a warrant for her arrest for one count of capital murder.

[00:43:48]Last week, members of our fugitive unit, violent crime unit, and covert investigative unit located her in Hurst and took her into custody without incident.

[00:43:59]The motive of the stabbing remains unclear. If anyone has additional information on the case, we ask them to contact us.

[00:44:09]I am uh extremely proud of the work that our officers and our crime scene investigators did on this case.

[00:44:18]They were they showed tenacity and dedication and they never gave up. I am grateful for the FBI for their continued partnership and I'm most thankful that we're able to tell the family of Miss uh Chavis that uh we've made arrest in this case. With that, I'll open it up to any questions.

[00:44:39]>> There is a video that was released in this case. Is that her in the video? And then the second question is um in the arrest affidavit there's mention of the victim's cell phone and and something you learned whatever you learned from the cell phone. What role did that play in this case as well?

[00:45:01]>> We have our great detective who actually uh led the investigation on this case and she can probably answer some of those questions that you're asking.

[00:45:10]Hello, my name is Detective.

[00:45:12]>> Give us your first and last name and spell it for us and your title, please.

[00:45:16]>> My name is Detective Dixon. Tracy Dixon, T R A C E Y D IIX O N.

[00:45:26]And I am a uh homicide detective for the Arlington Police Department.

[00:45:32]So, to answer your question, we believe that that is Miss uh Velasquez uh in that video. Um, and your second question was regarding the deedent cell phone.

[00:45:45]Okay. So, the deedent cell phone was valuable in this case and has provided information to us. Um, that's not information I'm going to share right now. We'll save that for court, but it was a valuable source of information about their relationship.

[00:45:59]>> Was the weapon ever uh recovered from the scene?

[00:46:03]>> No, it was not.

[00:46:05]detective or chief, if one of you could talk about um at the time, I know this was way before your time here, chief, but um was there in talking with the family of the victim talk that this suspect who ended up being arrested might be involved?

[00:46:20]>> Uh well, what I can tell you is from the initial investigation, our homicide unit turned uh they turned every stone. Um they interviewed both families. Um unfortunately they couldn't tie at the time uh tie the suspect to the case. Um but as I said um with through the investigation and uh the help of the FBI, we were able to identify her through the uh IGG process um and we were able to link her to uh to the residence through DNA.

[00:46:56]>> Chief or detective, you have a drop of blood but no motive. Are you prepared for the defense attorneys to say they were friends, she cut her hand over there days later? What other evidence do you have beyond that drop of blood?

[00:47:11]>> So, uh, Miss Velasquez, >> I'm sorry, Miss um, Miss Velasquez was interviewed and in that interview we learned information that will be helpful um, in that process. Um, I'm not going to disclose that right now. Um they were friends and um Miss Velasquez had been in the apartment before. Um but we were able to obtain some information from her in the interview uh which will help in uh her prosecution.

[00:47:44]>> Are you confident that you have the person in custody?

[00:47:47]>> Yes.

[00:47:48]>> Who committed this murder?

[00:47:49]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:47:50]>> Detective Dixon, can you take us back to the moment that you learned uh you got the break in this case that very second?

[00:47:56]How did it make you feel? And also, what does it feel like to be able to contact the family and say, "Hey, I've got an answer for you now."

[00:48:05]>> So, the IGG work is very labor intensive. Um, and I'm familiar with the process. And so, hearing that news that they had obtained a lead for us was very exciting, not only as a detective on the case, but also someone who's familiar with that process. So, when we received that news, we were elated, um, very excited about it. there was still a lot of work to be done at that time to actually to actually uh further confirm that it was her of course. Um and there's still more work that we're doing right now. Um and your second question, I'm sorry.

[00:48:41]>> I think you I think you answered it all.

[00:48:46]>> Oh, telling the family. Um that's why being able to share that with the family is why we do this work.

[00:49:27]They were very grateful. Um, it was emotional, but um, all everybody who's involved in this, whether you're the detective, whether you're on the FBI's IGG team, whether you're a crime scene working behind the scenes, everybody who touches a case like this, um, feels that elation when it's solved, feels the, um, pain for the family. And the reason why we all give so much of ourselves is for that.

[00:50:04]>> Is there anybody else that's being investigated as part of this murder case or was this just the suspect?

[00:50:12]>> Uh, currently there is nobody else that we're looking at in reference to this case. Um, but again, we're still uh conducting investigation into this. So again, I asked uh our community if there's anybody out there that have more information that can provide or you know pro that they can provide information to us that we asked that they do come forward.

[00:50:35]>> Are you able to provide more insight on the family the family tree and how we get from a family member who helped break this case and getting Velasquez uh behind bars?

[00:50:48]You know, I think that's how you >> Well, I won't go into specifics on the family tree. What I will say is that look, this investigation starts in 2020 2012 with uh a really effective job by the crime scene folks from Arlington PD and then the tenacious work of the Arlington uh Arlington PD's detectives, right? And it's over a period of years that that work continues. you know, in 2024 when we get involved. Again, this is really just building out what is publicly available to all uh uh using that genealogy research to create a family tree. And then as the detective mentioned, that's when the work really begins. So, law enforcement continues to work through each member of that family tree trying to limit that number of individuals until we determine a likely suspect. And it's only then that we look for onetoone DNA comparisons with the suspect DNA we have from the scene and then that potential suspect. So again, as the detective said, this is really a resource inensive operation. I think it also speaks to the dedication of the Arlington Police Department and the FBI, not just to family, uh, but to the community at large.

[00:51:52]>> And obviously that Well, my question, did that family member um, are they made aware that this could be tied to a case that's being investigated?

[00:52:01]>> Yeah, I'm not going to go into specifics of our conversations with uh, potential witnesses in the case, but I will just say that this is resource intensive. It it requires a great deal of traditional law enforcement work. This is really just a place to uh you know create new investigative leads.

[00:52:16]>> And when it comes to the discarded trash, was that a for? Can you provide some background on what was actually used for that?

[00:52:24]>> I'll uh defer to Arlington PD on that one.

[00:52:28]I unfortunately getting so far uh into the weeds into our investigation. I think we're going to have to hold off on on providing that information until the prosecution.

[00:52:40]>> Chief, what do you say to other families who are still holding out hope on cold cases, still looking for answers? What message does this case send to them?

[00:52:51]>> Um, you know, the message that I want to send is, you know, the Arlington Police Department, we're very, very dedicated.

[00:52:58]uh to the victims of homicides. Um we we do not stop investigations. We continue until we can come up with a suspect. We turn every stone. Um I like I said again, I am just so proud of the work of our homicide unit. And I really would like to highlight this. uh within the last year and probably a year and a half uh our homicide unit has actually solved about 13 to 14 cold cases. Um that is closing uh the loop for families who have been waiting years for the closure and for the our men and women to provide them that information uh is just so awesome.

[00:53:43]And I think that actually um I tell the other residents, hey, we're not going to stop. And hopefully we do come up and we were able to close their case as well, but we're not going to stop. We're always out there trying to investigate those co cases.

[00:53:57]>> Thank you.

[00:54:00]>> Thank you.

[00:54:47]Heat. Heat.

[00:55:46]Hey. Hey. Hey.

[00:56:49]Well, we are constantly upgrading our devices, but what happens to the old ones that we leave behind? Well, as the technological revolution kicks into overdrive now, the world is generating more electronic waste. One company is trying to reboot how we recycle our old technology. CBS's Evan Moon takes us inside the whole process.

[00:57:08]New phone, new laptop, new gadget. But what happens to the old ones? From smart watches to digital doorbells, millions of devices are sitting unused or heading for the trash.

[00:57:19]>> Each average American has about 25 devices. People used to think of them as trash. They're really a treasure.

[00:57:27]>> Electronics are the fastest growing waist stream in the world according to the UN. ERI, Electronic Recyclers International, is working to reduce all that waste. We visited their New Jersey facility.

[00:57:38]>> Oh my goodness, look how many phones.

[00:57:41]Since 2010, the growth of e-waste has outpaced normal single plastic recycling five times over. Right now, the world is generating more than 130 billion pounds of electronic waste.

[00:57:53]>> ERI's co-founder and CEO, John Shagarian.

[00:57:56]>> 100% of your electronics when responsibly recycled could go back into the circular economy. All the steel, the gold, the silver, the lead, the copper, the aluminum. Not only does it go back to what he calls the SpaceX and Nvidia economies, recycling old tech helps safeguard the environment.

[00:58:15]>> This is full of heart hazardous material, including lead.

[00:58:19]>> But the reality is only about 15% of electronics are being recycled in the US. What's keeping people from recycling?

[00:58:26]>> People are worried about their personal information, their data, their banking information, their their social security number.

[00:58:33]>> That's why ERRI makes militaryra data wiping part of the process.

[00:58:38]Chagarian says as the earth starts to run out of valuable materials, urban mining from discarded electronics can help bridge the gap.

[00:58:45]>> The technological revolution is still underway. We have to be just more thoughtful and more intentional.

[00:58:53]>> ERI is in every zip code working with cities like New York to place dropoff bins in thousands of buildings and with major retailers including Best Buy, Staples, and Salvation Army. Evan Moon, CBS News.

[00:59:06]Right now, only 17 states have a landfill ban covering at least some electronic devices, keeping hazardous materials like lead from getting into our ecosystem.

[01:00:24]Heat. Heat.