Houston, Texas — A Harris County man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he shot his girlfriend while she slept, then forced his nephew to help conceal and dump her body inside a plastic barrel in a wooded area of northwest Houston.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jesus Varela, 48, who is charged with murder, assault, and unlawful restraint in the death of Christelrose Angel Ramirez.
Prosecutors say victim was shot while sleeping
According to court records and prosecutors, the killing happened on December 1 inside the couple’s home in the Independence Heights neighborhood. Investigators believe Ramirez was asleep in bed when she was shot.
Police later found blood evidence throughout the bedroom, including on the bed, headboard, and ceiling, suggesting a violent scene.
“They said she was asleep and he shot her while she was asleep and then started bagging her up,” Ramirez’s father, Ricardo Ramirez, told local media.
Body allegedly wrapped and placed in barrel
Prosecutors say Varela placed Ramirez’s body into a trash bag, then wrapped it with three additional trash bags before stuffing everything into a large plastic barrel.
With help from his nephew, the barrel was later dumped in a wooded area in northwest Houston, according to investigators. Authorities say the bed Ramirez was killed on was also disposed of at a nearby apartment complex.
Nephew allegedly threatened and forced to help
During a probable cause hearing, a judge described allegations that Varela threatened his nephew, grabbing him by the shirt and telling him he had already killed one person and could kill again.
Prosecutors say the nephew later told police he was assaulted, restrained, and forced to help move and dispose of the body out of fear for his own safety.
The case came to light after a friend of the nephew learned what happened and contacted police, prompting the investigation.
Body found after phone location traced
Investigators were able to locate Ramirez’s remains after pinging her cellphone, which led them to the wooded area where the barrel had been dumped.
Authorities recovered her body and confirmed her identity shortly afterward.
Family speaks out, urges others to escape abuse
Ramirez’s family described her as a victim of domestic violence, saying they hope her death serves as a warning to others living in abusive situations.
“Nobody deserves to die like that,” her father said. “We are not animals or trash to be thrown away.”
Her aunt, Maggie Ramirez, urged others to seek help before it’s too late.
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“Don’t be a victim. Don’t die in a barrel. Speak up and break the bond of fear,” she said.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with funeral expenses and support efforts.
Charges and court status
Varela has been charged with:
- Murder
- Assault
- Unlawful restraint
He is currently being held on bonds totaling $240,000 and is scheduled to return to court this week, according to jail records.
The investigation remains ongoing.
What are your thoughts on how domestic violence cases are handled before they turn deadly? Share your thoughts in the comments.
