Cold Case Update: Reward Raised in 45-Year-Old Houston Mother and Son Killings
HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking new information in the 1980 murders of Estella Salinas, 31, and her 14-year-old son, Andrew Salinas, in Houston. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $6,000 if a qualifying tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
On December 25, 1980, the bodies of Estella and Andrew Salinas were found strangled on the east side of White Oak Bayou near the Pinemont Bridge, close to the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive.
Earlier that Christmas morning, the mother and son left their home to spend the holiday with family at Estella’s parents’ residence. Witnesses last saw them in a blue 1972 Mercury Cougar near the intersection of Cavalcade Street and the northbound frontage road of U.S. 59 in front of a McDonald’s. Family members later located the vehicle near Cavalcade and the Eastex Freeway. The car keys and personal belongings were still inside.
Investigators have interviewed several witnesses over the years, but no arrests have been made. Authorities said evidence from the case has now been submitted for analysis using modern DNA technology.
The Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers continue to investigate and believe community members may have information that could help resolve the case. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
To be eligible for cash rewards for this case, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of these two methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a tip online through this link only and select “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the type of crime and offense type sections.
