FOLLOW US

Nearly two decades after the tragic killing of a pregnant woman in Cotulla, Texas, authorities have finally arrested a man in a case that has haunted the community for years.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of 66-year-old Saul Gonzalez, who has been indicted on a capital murder charge in the 2005 death of 26-year-old Valerie Laguna.

Laguna, who was nine months pregnant, was last seen in the early hours of July 19, 2005, at a private residence. Later that same day, her body was discovered at Cristo Rey Cemetery in Cotulla, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). An autopsy revealed that she died from blunt force trauma to the head.

A Case That Never Went Cold

Although the investigation stalled in its early years, authorities repeatedly stressed that Laguna’s case was never forgotten. In 2018, DPS announced a $6,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.

Investigators credit advancements in forensic science for finally linking Gonzalez to the crime. The Texas DPS Crime Lab, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office all played crucial roles in building the evidence that led to his arrest.

Gonzalez was taken into custody without incident in Cotulla and is currently being held on a $1 million bond.

Sheriff’s Statement: “A Moment for Healing”

La Salle County Sheriff Hector Ramirez described the arrest as a milestone in both the investigation and the healing process for Cotulla.

“For twenty years, this community has carried the memory of a terrible loss,” Ramirez said. “This arrest represents a significant step toward justice. More importantly, it represents a moment for healing—for the victim’s family, who have waited so long, and for a community that has never forgotten.”

Ramirez emphasized that the pursuit of justice was about more than solving a crime:

“It has been about giving a voice to the victim, honoring her memory, and providing hope to her family. We know that nothing can erase the pain of the past, but we pray that this step forward brings comfort as we now move into the prosecution phase.”

He also praised the persistence of law enforcement across multiple administrations:

“Past sheriffs, former investigators, and current investigators all refused to let the case go cold. Their efforts—alongside never-wavering support and dedication from the Texas Rangers—ensured that the pursuit of justice never stopped.”

Valerie Laguna Will Be Remembered

With Gonzalez now indicted, prosecutors will move forward with a capital murder trial that could finally bring closure to Laguna’s family. Few details have been released due to the pending prosecution, but officials say the case demonstrates the power of persistence and modern forensic science in solving cold cases.