Cold case, hot pursuit

After 19 years, investigators hope time is right to solve brutal murder of woman

By Anita Miller

At least one of the detectives that worked the scene can’t get it out of his mind; and it’s doubtful that those who made the grisly discovery can either.

Nineteen years ago on Wednesday, deer hunters found the body of 20-year-old Jeanette Rincon of New Braunfels at their camp west of San Marcos. An autopsy would later prove she had been dead less than 24 hours, though the detectives could surmise as much — the body was clad in shorts and a T-shirt, not appropriate for the cold front that had blown in overnight.

And because she was wearing several pieces of jewelry, robbery was ruled out as a motive.

The autopsy also revealed she had been manually strangled with enough force to break a bone in her neck and had been sexually assaulted. It was only a matter of time, authorities say, before DNA evidence and witnesses led them to suspect her stepfather, then 31-year-old Baudelio Rogelio Medina.

Medina was scheduled to undergo a polygraph test on Nov. 18, 1990 but never showed up. Subsequently, a capital murder warrant was issued for his arrest.

Fast-forward to this week, when the Hays County Sheriff’s Office elicited the help of the media, and the public, in bringing the case to a conclusion.

“Nineteen years he’s been on the run. We’d like to get him arrested and we think we can accomplish that,” said Sgt. Leroy Opiela.

“It doesn’t’ mean the Hays County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t been looking for him, we have,” said investigator Kevin Ficke. “We’ve spoken to family member in the New Braunfels area, but families protect families.”

Ficke and Detective Kelly Woodard said it was initially suspected that Medina might have fled to Mexico where his parents lived and where he was born. But the parents have since passed away, meaning Medina’s strongest family ties remain in the Central Texas area — specifically New Braunfels, Seguin and San Antonio.

In fact, Woodard said, Medina was possibly sighted at the New Braunfels Wal-Mart some three years ago, but the people who think they saw him never contacted law enforcement.

Other than a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge, Medina had no criminal background. A naturalized U.S. citizen, he had a Social Security number and Texas drivers license but investigators say there’s been “no activity” associated with either.

To help in investigation, investigators have “age advanced” sketches that were prepared by the Texas Rangers showing what Medina, now 50, may look like today, both with and without a beard.

He did have a full beard when he disappeared and was known to be a “neat dresser.” He is about 5’7” and, in 1990, weighted 190 lbs. He was known to work in construction.

Ficke said while Medina’s brothers haven’t been “uncooperative,” they haven’t been “cooperative” either. “Don’t tell me after 19 years you don’t know where your brother is,” he said.

“Somebody has got to know this guy,” Opiela said.

Ficke said Rincon’s mother has also died but other family members still seek closure. “Her mother went to her grave not knowing this man was caught. That is a sad set of facts for us.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the HCSO at 393-7800 if they are in Hays County. Woodard said those in other communities should contact their local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers, (800) 324-TIPS.