In a stunning development, a North Texas real estate agent has been charged in a cold case murder that dates back to 2012. Mayra Velasquez, 42, was arrested on July 16, 2026 and released on bond on July 29, 2026 after being linked to the brutal stabbing death of her friend, Irasema Chavez.
The case, which had baffled investigators for over a decade, took a dramatic turn when advanced DNA analysis and genetic genealogy techniques identified Velasquez as the prime suspect. The victim, Chavez, was found in her Arlington apartment, having been stabbed more than 100 times, a crime that left the community shocked and the police with few leads.
DNA Evidence and Genetic Genealogy
The breakthrough came in 2026 when the Arlington Police Department sought assistance from the FBI through their Investigative Genetic Genealogy program. This program uses public DNA databases to identify potential relatives of suspects. In this case, it led investigators to Velasquez.
Detectives collected DNA evidence from a drop of blood found at the crime scene, which was tested and matched to Velasquez. Additionally, investigators followed Velasquez to a restaurant, where they collected two plastic forks she used, which also contained her DNA. This evidence, combined with other investigative findings, led to her arrest.
Challenges to the Evidence
Velasquez’s defense team, led by Attorney Frank Seller has questioned the validity of the evidence presented by the prosecution. Seller argues that the conclusions drawn by the police are flawed and that the DNA evidence alone does not prove Velasquez’s guilt.
“Blood dries fast. Blood dries within minutes, certainly within an hour“, Seller stated, challenging the assertion that a drop of blood found at the crime scene was still wet after 10 hours. He also pointed to the surveillance video, which he believes shows a male suspect, not his client.
“The gait of the person, the way that they carry themselves. This is a male. This is a male who’s going over there late at night at 10 o’clock”, Seller added, suggesting that the police may have misidentified the suspect in the video.
The Legal Battle Ahead
Velasquez is currently being held at the Lon Evans Corrections Center in Fort Worth, awaiting trial. Her attorneys have filed a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that the court’s decision to deny her bond was unjustified. They point to her lack of a criminal history and her status as a lawful U.S. citizen who has been a benefit to her community.
The prosecution, however, remains confident in their case. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones praised the work of the detectives and crime scene investigators, stating that their tenacity and dedication led to this breakthrough. “This case is a demonstration that homicide detectives in Arlington don’t stop murder investigations, no matter how long it’s been”, Jones said.
As the legal battle unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for justice for Irasema Chavez and clarity in this complex case. The outcome will hinge on the strength of the DNA evidence and the ability of the defense to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
