As more and more time went on, it was obvious something was wrong. This wasn't like the girls, it was totally out of character. The thought of their parents worrying about where they were would have mortified Jennifer and Elizabeth. No matter where they were or what they were doing, they would always stop and at least make a phone call but there was no word from the girls at all. Family and friends wasted no time putting a search together and within days the police had received an anonymous phone call from an unlikely source. Peter Cantu's brother Joe provided details to the police about what his brother had been bragging and laughing about. It ended up with Joe teaming up with the police and trying to pin point where the girls bodies were. Soon enough, the sad discovery was made just four days later.
Although it had been 4 days later, decomposition had set in to the point where the bodies were unrecognisable. The warm temperature and the fact the bodies had been left out in the open with animals, insects as well as internal decomposition made them difficult to identify at first. The sight was very disturbing as flies and maggots had engulfed the private areas that had been left exposed. It was beyond horrific what those two lovely girls had gone through but to be also left out there with no respect and for their bodies to end up infested like that was just heartbreak after heartbreak. Word spread like wildfire that two female bodies had been found in the park and soon members of the community as well as the media were everywhere. The parents of Jennifer and Elizabeth were beside themselves, Randy Ertman (Jennifer's father) saw the news report and rushed down to the park and demanded to be given more information but at that point the bodies were still being removed carefully, they were later identified by dental records and items of clothing. The gang had stolen items of jewelry from the girls and these items were later recovered.
The six monsters were arrested and stood trial, Venancio agreed to testify against the other gang members but not his brother Jose. None of them demonstrated a shred of remorse, in fact Peter Cantu acted pathetic from start to finish with his unbothered behaviour and lack of respect, he really was rotten to the core. The two cowardly 'Roman brothers' were questioned and they made a deal to give all the information that they knew and since they co-operated and were not involved with the actual assaults and murders, they were let go. All six were found guilty on all counts of aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping and murder. Due to his age and the fact that he co-operated with investigators, Venancio didn't face the death penalty but the others did. All five were sentenced to death but Efrain Perez and Raul Villarreal later had their death sentences switched to life sentences (with the possibility of parole after 35 years) due to a change in the law, it was ruled that anyone who committed a crime under the age of 18 was not to face the death penalty as they were considered to be a minor. Venancio was given 40 years.
The families and friends of Jennifer and Elizabeth as well as the local community were so strong and incredible throughout everything, they all banded together. Randy Ertman became a source of inspiration and strength for not only his family and his community but for families of victims worldwide. With the help of Randy and family and friends he had gathered together, they worked to have two laws changed which are still so incredibly important to this day. Before, families of victims did not have the opportunity to have victim impact statements in court, that was abolished and now families have been given the right to have their say. At executions it was unheard of that the families of victims were able to attend but due to this case, it was lifted and now victim's families and survivors can attend executions if they wish to. Both the fathers of Jennifer and Elizabeth were given the opportunity to confront the murderers in the courtroom and Randy told them ''We live for the day that you die.''. Both of the brave men didn't hold back in their thoughts and as well as their words being so powerful, so true, they were also a huge tribute to Jennifer and Elizabeth.
Derrick Sean O'Brien who was 31 years old, was put to death on the 11th of July 2006. Apparently he kept saying sorry over and over again before he was given the lethal injection. He refused a final meal beforehand.
Jose Medellin was 33 when he was executed by lethal injection on the 17th of August 2010. Just like Derrick, he apologised for all the pain he caused, whether these two were genuine is anyone's guess but he also refused a last meal.
The ringleader of it all, the pathetic cretin who smiled all the way through the trial. 35 year old Peter Cantu had not a care in the world. He fancied a slap-up meal and requested Mexican food with a cinnamon bun. There was no apologies from him, no emotion whatsoever on his face and when he was asked if there was any last words he simply said no.
The other three monsters who got off the death penalty due to their ages are still serving time and there is the possibility that they could get parole in the future but it's highly unlikely. Venancio has been up for parole at least five times so far and keeps getting turned down. He's now 47 and could be released in 2033. The families of Jennifer and Elizabeth have vowed to always fight to ensure these monsters are never released.
During the investigation into the background of these monsters, it comes as no surprise that each of them had previous run-ins with the law and it was clear that their lives were always going to end in a negative way. What was also shocking and disturbing for boys of such a young age was that just 6 months before the murders of Jennifer and Elizabeth, it was revealed that this group of sick and evil monsters were responsible for another murder of a young mother. The shocking murder of Patricia Lopez was unsolved at the time and as you can imagine it was horrific what they did to her too. Patricia had run out of petrol (gas) and was stranded, the boys spotted the attractive young woman and offered to give her a lift to the gas station in return for some alcohol. She agreed to get them some and instead of taking her to the gas station they kidnapped her, gang-raped her and then disemboweled her. The police were investigating her murder and when these monsters were in custody it was discovered that their DNA matched the scene as well as statements from Joe Cantu who had also mentioned that the gang had also bragged about Patricia's murder. They weren't put on trial for Patricia's murder but I think the attitude was that they were all facing the death penalty or life in prison anyway so they would be off the streets one way or another.
The incredible father of Jennifer, Randy Ertman sadly passed away on August the 18th 2014 from cancer at the age of 61 and is forever remembered for his incredible strength and fight for justice for Jennifer, Elizabeth, the families and for all families of victims.
Two memorial benches currently stand in the area where Jennifer and Elizabeth were found. People often visit and lay flowers and little mementos. Both Jennifer and Elizabeth are buried close to each other in Woodland Cemetery in Harris County, Texas.
I know these two posts were very difficult to get through and if you have made it this far, I appreciate your time so much. The horrific ordeal that Jennifer, Elizabeth and Patricia (and who knows if there's anybody else who fell victim to this group of monsters?) went through is so unbelievable and it leaves you with feelings of anger, sorrow and shock at the level of pure evil that has happened here. It's like Peter Cantu and his pathetic group of psychotic losers had a hatred towards women and young girls. Not content with the horrendous acts they committed but the utter disrespect, the lack of remorse, decency....the list goes on! Just harassed these girls, tortured them, did horrendous things and then threw them away, it's sickening. The same situation with Patricia. These three beautiful young ladies deserved to live, they had beautiful lives and were so loved and are so deeply missed. This pathetic group of losers were nothing but a stain on society, every one of them had nothing but a list of crimes, disappointments and destruction behind them. They were all monsters but Peter Cantu was an extra level of evil that even his own brother couldn't wait to get rid of him.
RIP beautiful Jennifer, thank you for trying to save your friend and your incredible courage to go back when you had that opportunity to get free but you were selfless. What you did was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time, your father was an incredible man who fought hard for others in need and it seems you were just like him. What a beautiful legacy to be remembered for.
RIP beautiful Elizabeth, along with Jennifer, your care and love for others was always your main priority and you fought for what was right and you fought for yourself. The enormous outpouring of grief at the loss of yourself and Jennifer just goes to show how much of an impact you left on so many people in your short lives. We will always remember you both.
RIP beautiful Patricia, a beautiful life taken in such a horrendous way. Your beautiful children carry your legacy and like Jennifer and Elizabeth you were also so kind and loved by so many. We will never forget you.
RIP to the courageous Randy Ertman. The strength and incredible bravery you showed all the way through not only the heartbreaking loss of your daughter Jennifer, but the determination you had to see that all families had the chance to see justice and have their say. You gave the families of victims a voice as well as being the voice of victims and survivors.
My thoughts are also with all the families and the friends of all who are sadly no longer with us.
Further Reading & Sources:
- Pure Murder | Book by Corey Mitchell
- Elizabeth Pena & Jennifer Ertman: Article | ABC13 News
- Jennifer Ertman & Elizabeth Pena | KPRC 2 Click2Houston
- Derrick O'Brien | Court Documents
- Jennifer Ertman & Elizabeth Pena: Article | Oxygen
- Peter Cantu: Execution Article | CBS News
- Jennifer Ertman & Elizabeth Pena | Reddit Discussion Thread
- Venancio Medellin: Parole Report | Fox 26 News
- Randy Ertman: Article | Tampa Bay News
- Randy Ertman: Article | Houston Chronicle
- Randy Ertman: Article | Los Angeles News
- Randy Ertman: Article | Boston Globe News
- Jennifer Ertman | Find A Grave
- Elizabeth Pena | Find A Grave
- Death row Information | Texas Gov
- Capital Punishment in Texas | Wikipedia
I will be taking a short break from writing as it's my birthday on the 5th of November (if you would like to buy me a birthday coffee and help support my work, you can do so here thank you so much!!!)
In the meantime, I hope you will join me for a chat, a coffee or whatever on my Socials
Stay safe, until next time.........x
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