Lubbock Police Close 2009 Homicide Case Through DNA Match

LUBBOCK, Texas – After 16 years, the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit has solved the murder of 26-year-old Christopher Perez, providing long-awaited closure to his family.

On July 31, 2009, at approximately 1:58 a.m., Lubbock Police responded to Grace Medical Center, where officers found Perez deceased from multiple stab wounds. Perez had been attacked earlier that night at a bar located in the 500 block of East 34th Street in East Lubbock.

Initial leads directed investigators to a Hispanic male, estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old. LPD’s Forensics Unit collected DNA evidence from the crime scene and submitted it to the Texas Department of Public Safety Lab. The profile was entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which eventually returned a match to Mexican national Javier Pando, 52.

Further investigation by the Metro Special Crimes Unit confirmed that Pando had passed away in Mexico prior to the conclusion of the case, meaning he could not be prosecuted. Investigators were able to corroborate additional details surrounding his connection to the crime through witness interviews, historical records, and the DNA evidence collected during the original investigation.

The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit emphasized that the case demonstrates the critical role of forensic technology and persistence in solving cold cases. Detectives hope that resolving this long-standing investigation provides some measure of peace to Perez’s family and reinforces the department’s commitment to solving all homicides in Lubbock County.

No further suspects are currently identified, and the investigation is considered closed.