Accused killer on immigration hold

HOUSTON – The man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend in their Greenspoint home in early December has been confirmed by ICE officials to have an immigration hold.

What we know:

According to court documents, the man has been on an immigration hold since December 8. 

Houston police say they stopped 48-year-old Jesus Varela for a defective brake light on December 6, where he was later arrested after officers found a gun inside Varela’s vehicle.

Timeline:

December 1: Alleged murder of 41-year-old Christelrose Angel Ramirez occurs, according to court documents.December 5: Jesus Varela’s nephew says he was struck in the chest by Varela and forced into helping hide the body for fear of his own life.December 6: Varela is pulled over by Houston police for a traffic violation. He is arrested by officers after they found a semi-automatic pistol in his vehicle.December 8: Court records show Varela was placed on an immigration hold by ICE.December 10: Houston police find the body of 41-year-old Christelrose Angel Ramirez inside of a metal barrel, barred shut by nails and a wooden top.December 12: Varela is officially charged with the murder of Ramirez.December 15: Varela makes his first court appearance inside a Harris County Criminal Courtroom.

What’s next:

Varela is expected to be in court later this week.

The Source: Houston police and Harris County Court Records.

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