On November 6, 2015, Veronica Mercado, aged 26, and her 2-year-old daughter, Linette Cano, were found fatally shot in their home in Houston, Texas. The police responded to a call at the residence located on Elvera Street, where they found both mother and daughter dead in the kitchen, each suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect, Jonathan Figueroa, who was Veronica's ex-boyfriend but not Linette's father, is believed to have entered the home and fired multiple shots. He has since been charged with capital murder and is suspected to have fled towards the Mexican border in a maroon Ford Taurus with Texas license plates CTS-3225.
There was reportedly a history of domestic violence between Figueroa and Veronica, and the situation escalated tragically in November. A friend alerted the authorities after receiving concerning statements from Figueroa. The police noted evidence of forced entry at the home, and Figueroa was subsequently named a person of interest. Law enforcement and Crime Stoppers have since called on the public for any information that could lead to Figueroa's capture.
Veronica worked at a bakery in Houston, and her colleagues mentioned seeing signs of Figueroa attempting to reconcile with her against her will. Veronica left behind two other school-aged children in addition to her young daughter Linette. The violent nature of the crime and the unresolved manhunt for Figueroa has left both her family and the local community in grief and shock as they continue seeking justice for Veronica and her daughter.
