Investigators say a DNA-based investigation helped lead to an arrest more than 14 years after Chavez was found dead inside her apartment.
ARLINGTON, Texas — A Texas cold case that went unsolved for more than a decade has taken a major turn after investigators announced an arrest in the 2012 murder of Arlington woman Irasema Chavez.
Arlington police say an arrest has been made in connection with the 2012 murder of Irasema Chavez, a case that investigators say received a breakthrough through investigative genetic genealogy. Arlington police have not yet publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity in connection with Chavez’s killing. The department is expected to hold a news conference Wednesday.
This story continues below.
Chavez, 32, was found deceased inside her apartment on Jan. 20, 2012, after suffering multiple stab wounds. Investigators spent years pursuing leads but were unable to definitively identify a suspect.
In November 2024, the Arlington Police Department Homicide Unit met with the FBI Dallas Field Office to discuss whether the case could benefit from the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy program.
The FBI agreed to assist with the investigation, and officials said the work eventually provided detectives with a significant break.
“Earlier this year, their work provided detectives with a significant break in the case, which after additional investigation, led to an arrest,” Arlington police said
Parabon NanoLabs previously used DNA phenotyping to create a composite image showing what the person of interest may have looked like at age 25.
Parabon – In 2012, Irasema Chavez was found murdered in her… | Facebook
The company’s Snapshot DNA Phenotyping technology analyzes DNA to predict certain physical characteristics, creating a possible image of an individual based on genetic information.
The Arlington Police Department and FBI Dallas announced a joint news conference Wednesday to discuss a collaborative investigation that recently led to an arrest in Chavez’s 2012 killing. More information is expected during Wednesday’s news conference.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.