Mayra Velasquez has been charged with capital murder in the 2012 stabbing death of Irasema Chavez.

Mayra Velasquez, a 42-year-old real estate agent, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the 2012 killing of Irasema Chavez. The 32-year-old victim was discovered in her Arlington apartment on Jan. 20, 2012, having been stabbed approximately 100 times. Because there were no obvious signs of forced entry, investigators believe Chavez likely knew her attacker. The case remained cold for over a decade as initial DNA evidence failed to produce a definitive match. A breakthrough occurred in November 2024 when the Arlington Police Department partnered with the FBI Dallas Field Office to utilize the Investigative Genetic Genealogy program. This advanced technology provided a significant lead in early 2026, allowing detectives to secure a warrant for Velasquez. Velasquez is currently being held without bond in the Tarrant County Jail. The Arlington Police Department and the FBI are scheduled to hold a joint press conference on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to provide further details on the investigation.

Sources