Who Killed Elizabeth Barraza? Seven Years After She Was Shot While Setting Up a Garage Sale

Shortly before 7 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2019, Elizabeth Barraza, 29, was arranging items for a garage sale outside the Tomball, Texas, home she shared with her husband when a small-statured person approached and fatally shot her in the driveway. Seven years later, the case remains unsolved and Barraza’s family continues to press for answers.

The Day It Happened

According to investigators, a four-door black Nissan Frontier PRO-4X (model year 2013 or newer) drove past the house, turned around and parked one residence down. A person described as small in stature, wearing a long trench coat and boots and either having long hair or wearing a wig, exited the truck and walked toward Barraza. She greeted the approaching visitor with a clear “good morning,” then was shot multiple times after a brief exchange.

“You hear her clearly say, 'good morning.' Then you hear some garbled stuff for seven, eight seconds. And then you hear the first shot, and you hear her screaming, and then you hear the next three shots,”

— Harris County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Ritchie

After the shooting, the suspect drove away but later circled back and drove past the driveway while Barraza lay dying. Investigators have characterized the scene as an execution-style killing.

Investigation Details

Authorities note several factors that suggest the attack was planned: nothing was taken from the garage sale or Barraza’s person, and the shooter used a revolver — a weapon type that does not expel shell casings that could be collected at the scene. Sgt. Ritchie has said that these choices indicate the suspect aimed to leave less trace evidence.

Harris County detectives say they have received hundreds of tips over the years, but none so far have included verifiable information only someone directly involved would know. Ritchie confirmed that evidence was left at the scene and said improvements in forensic technology since 2019 may offer new opportunities to reexamine that material.

Family Plea And Reward

Barraza’s family has urged anyone with information to come forward. A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Her father, Robert "Bob" Nuelle, has made public pleas for help while battling advanced esophageal cancer that has spread to his liver, lungs, lymph nodes, femur and spine.

“A 67-year-old man dying and not knowing who shot his daughter — I'm hoping this makes it hard to keep that silence,” Nuelle told ABC13.

Remembering Elizabeth

Barraza worked as a data reporter for a pipeline inspection company and had taken the day off to run the garage sale. She and her husband were preparing for a trip to Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary; her new suitcases were already packed. She was also an active member of the 501st Legion, a fan organization known for meticulously recreating Star Wars villain costumes.

What Investigators Ask From The Public

Investigators encourage anyone with credible information to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online. Anonymous tips are accepted. Detectives say that information containing details not publicly released — specifics only someone with direct knowledge would know — would be especially valuable.

The case remains open and active. Law enforcement continues to follow leads and hopes advances in forensic science will produce a breakthrough.