HOUSTON, Texas (KBTX) – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is renewing its push to solve a cold case that has remained unsolved for more than four decades: the 1980 murders of 31-year-old Estella Salinas and her 14-year-old son, Andrew Salinas, in Houston.
The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible is now $6,000, but only if tips are submitted before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
The Case
On Christmas morning, December 25, 1980, Estella and Andrew left their residence to spend the holiday with family at Estella’s parents’ home across town. The pair were last seen by witnesses in a blue-colored 1972 Mercury Cougar near the intersection of Cavalcade Street and the US-59 northbound frontage road, in front of a McDonald’s.
Later that day, their bodies were discovered strangled to death on the east side of White Oak Bayou and the Pinemont Bridge, near the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive.
Family members later found the abandoned Mercury Cougar near the intersection of Cavalcade and the Eastex Freeway. The vehicle’s keys and personal items remained inside.
New Hope with Modern Technology
Despite interviews with several witnesses over the years, no arrests have been made. Now, 45 years later, authorities are turning to modern DNA technology. Evidence from the case has been submitted for analysis by the Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers, who actively continue their investigation.
“We believe members of the community have critical information that could help solve this case,” investigators said.
How to Provide Tips
Anyone with information is urged to come forward using one of these methods:
Call Crime Stoppers: 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)Submit online: Visit the DPS website, select “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the crime and offense type sections
Tips submitted through these channels are eligible for the increased $6,000 reward, provided they are received before the next featured cold case is announced.
About the Program
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program assists law enforcement agencies throughout the state in investigating unsolved homicides and violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for murder, investigators continue to pursue these cases to resolution.
As part of a DPS public awareness initiative, one cold case from the program is featured every two months to generate new investigative leads and community engagement. The increased reward amount is offered for featured cases specifically to encourage additional tips.
For more information on this case and over 140 others, visit the DPS website and the Texas Crime Stoppers program, funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office.
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