Mother of Texas cheerleader stabbed to death by illegal migrant says it's 'heartbreaking' to watch Laken Riley's family endure same pain

The mother of a 16-year-old Texas cheerleader who was killed by an illegal immigrant in December is calling for change after the murder of nursing student Laken Riley.

Jacqueline Medina is the distraught mother of Lizbeth Medina, 16, who was allegedly stabbed by Mexican illegal immigrant Rafael Govea Romero in the bathtub of the apartment the mother and daughter shared.

Jacqueline has spoken out after the brutal death of 22-year-old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was also allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant.

Riley was allegedly killed by 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national living illegally in the U.S., who is believed to have murdered the young girl while she was out jogging on February 22. 

Lizbeth's mother said that 'as someone who has also lost a daughter to violence at the hands of an illegal immigrant,' she understands the 'pain and devastation' that comes with 'such a senseless act.'

Jacqueline Medina (left) is the distraught mother of Lizbeth Medina, 16(right), who was allegedly stabbed by Mexican illegal immigrant Rafael Govea Romero in the bathtub of the apartment the mother and daughter shared.

'Since my daughter Liz's passing in 2023, too many beautiful young girls have lost their lives to violence. We must come together as a society to create a safer world for all,' Jacqueline said

Jacqueline has spoken out after the brutal death of 22-year-old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley (pictured), who was also 'murdered' by an illegal immigrant

Riley was allegedly killed by 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra(pictured), a Venezuelan national living illegally in the U.S., who is believed to have murdered the young girl while she was out jogging on February 22

'I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Laken Riley, and my heart goes out to her family during this difficult time,' Jacqueline said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Jacqueline shared how she was 'moved' by the fact that both her daughter and Riley wanted to become nurses.

She shared a certificate won by Lizbeth, nominating her for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence. 

Lizbeth dreamed of attending the University of Texas at Arlington to become a nurse, her devastated mother shared.

Jacqueline said there needs to be stricter laws in place to protect children. 'It is a cruel and unfair reality that their dreams were cut short by senseless violence,' she said. 

'I believe that there need to be stricter laws in place to protect our children and communities from individuals with violent criminal histories, regardless of their immigration status.' 

She added that it isn't about politics, but 'ensuring the safety and well-being of our loved ones.'

'While I acknowledge that not all illegal immigrants are the same, we must take action to prevent tragedies like these from happening again,' she said.

'Since my daughter Liz's passing in 2023, too many beautiful young girls have lost their lives to violence. We must come together as a society to create a safer world for all. 

'Let us look after each other and strive to make our communities places where everyone can feel secure and protected.' 

Lizbeth dreamed of attending the University of Texas at Arlington to become a nurse, her devastated mother shared

Lizbeth's mother said that 'as someone who has also lost a daughter to violence at the hands of an illegal immigrant,' she understands the 'pain and devastation' that comes with 'such a senseless act' 

Lizbeth's alleged killer Romero was charged with capital murder after being arrested in Schulenberg, Texas, and indicted on February 8. 

He has been placed on Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer after the Edna High School cheerleader was discovered dead by her mother.

Officials also confirmed that Romero is an undocumented migrant from Mexico and has lived in the US for the past five years. They did not clarify if Romero entered the country with a valid visa or when his status expired.

Riley's alleged killer Ibarra entered the United States through the United States- Mexico border in 2022.

He was arrested by the Border Patrol for crossing the border illegally but, was released shortly after he was granted temporary permission to stay in the country, as per federal officials. 

Jacqueline shared how she was 'moved' by the fact that both her daughter and Riley (pictured) wanted to become nurses

Lizbeth's alleged killer Rafael Govea Romero, 23(pictured), was charged with capital murder after being arrested in Schulenberg, Texas

Ibarra, lived in the New York City before moving to Athens, Georgia.

He shared an apartment with his brother that was about a five-minute walk where he allegedly killed the young nursing student.

His brother worked as a dishwasher at University of Georgia, but was terminated once school officials learned that he had fake green card documents, Fox News reported.

Ibarra was arrested February 23 and formally charged the following day.

He was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another.