Woman Arrested for Murder in 2007 Cold Case Stabbing in North Houston

Charges have been filed against Laura Barrios, 39, in connection with the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Jose Manuel Cruz. The incident occurred at 16826 City View Place #127 in North Houston around 12:45 a.m. on May 28, 2007.

Houston Police officers responded to a welfare check call at an apartment complex after Mr. Cruz failed to show up for work, prompting concern from co-workers. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered an unsecured door and entered to find Cruz unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. Despite efforts by Houston Fire Department paramedics, Cruz was pronounced deceased.

At the time of the initial investigation, no known motive or suspect description was available. However, detectives from the HPD Homicide Division Cold Case Unit recently reviewed the case, obtaining evidence that pointed to Laura Barrios as the suspect.

On Tuesday, November 14, Barrios was arrested without incident and is now facing murder charges in the 182nd State District Court. The arrest follows years of investigation and marks a significant development in the cold case. The motive behind the 2007 stabbing remains undisclosed.