Houston, Texas – A 48-year-old Texas man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he shot his girlfriend while she slept, then threatened his nephew into helping conceal her body inside a plastic barrel dumped in a wooded area of northwest Houston.
According to Harris County prosecutors, Jesus Varela, 48, is accused of murdering Christelrose Angel Ramirez on December 1 inside their home in the Independence Heights neighborhood. Authorities say the killing was followed by a chilling attempt to hide the crime, including intimidation of a family member.
Woman Allegedly Shot While Asleep in Bed
Court documents reviewed by investigators state that Ramirez was asleep in her bed when Varela allegedly shot her. Blood was reportedly found throughout the bedroom, including on the headboard, mattress, and even the ceiling above the bed, suggesting the shooting occurred at close range.
Ramirez’s father, Ricardo Ramirez, told local media that investigators informed him his daughter had been asleep at the time of the attack.
“They told us she was asleep and he shot her while she was asleep,” he said. “Then he started bagging her up.”
Prosecutors Say Nephew Was Threatened and Forced to Help
After the killing, prosecutors allege Varela forced his nephew to assist in disposing of the body. During a probable cause hearing, a judge described allegations that Varela threatened the young man, grabbing his shirt and telling him he had “already killed one person and wanted to kill another.”
Authorities say the nephew complied out of fear after being assaulted and restrained.
Varela allegedly wrapped Ramirez’s body in a trash bag, then added three additional trash bags, before stuffing her remains into a large plastic barrel. Prosecutors say the two then transported the barrel and dumped it in a wooded area in northwest Houston.
Bed and Evidence Allegedly Disposed of Separately
In an attempt to further conceal the crime, Varela and his nephew allegedly disposed of the bed Ramirez had been lying on at the time of the shooting. Investigators later learned the bed was abandoned at a nearby apartment complex, according to court records.
The nephew later told police he had been coerced into helping and feared for his life if he refused.
Tip Leads Police to the Body
The case came to light after a friend of the nephew learned about what had happened and contacted law enforcement. Following the tip, the nephew confessed to his involvement and identified Varela as the shooter.
Investigators were able to locate Ramirez’s body by pinging her cellphone, which led them to the wooded area where the barrel had been dumped. Her remains were later recovered and identified.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Varela has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder, assault, and unlawful restraint. As of Monday, he was being held on bonds totaling $240,000, according to online jail records.
He is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, where further proceedings are expected.
Family Speaks Out About Domestic Violence
Ramirez’s family has described her as a victim of domestic violence, using a GoFundMe page to warn others about the dangers of remaining in abusive relationships.
“She didn’t deserve this,” said Ramirez’s aunt, Maggie Ramirez.
“Nobody deserves to die like that,” her father added. “We are not dogs or animals or trash to be thrown out there. I’m going to be there every day in court to make sure they give him the maximum. All I want is justice for my daughter.”
Maggie Ramirez also urged others to seek help before it is too late.
“Don’t be a victim,” she said. “Don’t die in a barrel. Be someone that speaks up and breaks the bond of fear.”
Case Continues as Community Seeks Justice
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case against Varela. Authorities have not released additional details about prior reports of domestic violence at the home.
The family says they hope sharing Ramirez’s story will encourage others in abusive situations to reach out for help and avoid a similar tragedy.
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