DPS increases reward in 2005 LaSalle County murder

Valerie Benevidez Laguna was found at Cristo Rey Cemetery

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety is offering an increased reward of up to $6,000 for information that leads to an arrest in connection with the death of a LaSalle County resident in 2005.

The body of Valerie Benevidez Laguna, 26, was found July 19, 2005, at the Cristo Rey Cemetery near Cotulla, officials said. 

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Laguna, who was eight months pregnant, died of blunt force trauma to the head, officials said.

She was last seen at a private residence in the early-morning hours the day her body was found.

Anyone with information on the unsolved case is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or the DPS Missing Persons Hotline at 1-800-346-3243.

Individuals also can submit tips through the Texas Ranger Cold Case website.

The increased reward amount is only in effect until approximately mid-March.


About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.