Authorities in Arlington, Texas, have made a significant breakthrough in a cold case that has haunted the community for over a decade. Mayra Velasquez, a close friend of the victim, was arrested in connection with the brutal stabbing of Irasema Chavez, whose body was discovered with more than 100 stab wounds in her apartment back in January 2012. The ongoing investigation bore fruit after DNA evidence collected from a discarded fork linked Velasquez to the crime.
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On January 19, 2012, police arrived at Chavez’s apartment to find the 32-year-old deceased, with evidence suggesting a violent altercation had taken place. Investigators quickly collected samples from the scene, including a drop of blood found on a television stand in her bedroom. Crime lab analysis revealed that the blood belonged to an unidentified Hispanic female, prompting authorities to enter the DNA profile into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) — a national law enforcement database. Unfortunately, no matches were found at that time, leaving investigators at a standstill.
In November 2024, the Arlington Police Department (APD) decided to revisit the case in collaboration with the FBI Dallas Field Office. By leveraging investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), they aimed to extract new leads from the previously collected DNA evidence. This innovative approach involves intensive genealogy research and the use of historical records, enabling investigators to delve deeper into the connections between individuals.
After painstaking efforts spanning several months, the IGG team identified Velasquez as a primary suspect in the stabbing. Further testing ensued, and in May 2026, investigators obtained DNA samples from a plastic fork discovered in Velasquez’s discarded rubbish. Subsequent analysis confirmed that her DNA matched the earlier blood sample taken from the crime scene, solidifying the case against her.
Velasquez, now aged 42, was apprehended on July 16, 2026. She is currently held in the Tarrant County Jail without bond, facing a charge of capital murder. Despite the progress in the case, police have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the killing, which continues to leave many questions unanswered for both the authorities and the victim’s family.
Detective Tracey Dixon of the APD’s Cold Case Unit expressed her relief in a recent press conference after breaking the news to Chavez’s family. She noted their emotional response, highlighting the importance of closure for families affected by violent crimes. “They were very grateful. It was emotional,” Dixon stated, reflecting on the sentiments shared by those closely connected to the case.
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones commended the tireless efforts of the officers and crime scene investigators who participated in the case. “I am extremely proud of the work that our officers and crime scene investigators did on this case. They showed tenacity and dedication and never gave up,” he remarked. The department has reportedly solved around 13 to 14 cold cases in the past 18 months, attributed to advancements in DNA technology.
Joe Rothrock, a special agent with the FBI Dallas office, echoed these sentiments, noting that investigative genetic genealogy has proven effective since its implementation. He remarked that it has assisted in solving over 250 cases across 30 states since 2018, shedding light on the potential of this method to bring justice in unresolved cases.
As the investigation unfolds and more details may emerge, the arrest of Velasquez brings renewed hope for the families of victims impacted by violent crimes. Authorities remain vigilant as they explore further avenues, and the community waits for updates on the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding this tragic event.
For now, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice and the importance of new technologies in solving crimes that were once thought to be left in the shadows of time.