A relentless pursuit for justice continues as authorities offer a cash reward for information that could lead to the capture of Jesus Salazar, an accused murderer who fled to Venezuela after the tragic death of Texas teenager Felicia Ruiz.

In a heartbreaking case that has lingered for decades, Felicia’s family still seeks closure. Two individuals have already been convicted in connection with the young woman’s death, as reported by FOX 26 Houston, and have since been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The chilling events unfolded on October 30, 1999, when Felicia, just 17 at the time, was lured away under the guise of attending a Halloween party. Unknown to her, the supposed friends who invited her harbored sinister intentions, a fact later revealed by ABC 3 Eyewitness News. The family had believed these individuals were among Felicia’s circle of friends, adding a layer of betrayal to the tragedy.

Once isolated, Felicia was subjected to a brutal attack, with Salazar allegedly at the center of the violence. Felicia’s mother, Carrie Ruiz, shared that Salazar had developed unreciprocated feelings for her daughter, and his anger over this rejection may have fueled the horrific crime.

The young girl’s life was violently cut short, as she suffered over 39 stab wounds before being abandoned in a Houston field near Highway 290 and Hollister. Despite the passage of time, the hunt for Salazar persists, driven by a community’s hope for justice and a family’s enduring grief.

They stabbed her over 39 times before leaving her body in a Houston field, near Highway 290 and Hollister.

Salazar was a member of the notorious Latin Kings gang, according to Investigation Discovery. The killers also had intentions of Felicia joining the gang, but her family said that she had refused.

“Salazar was protected by the Venezuelan government for over 25 years,” Director of Victim Services and Advocacy, Andy Kahan told FOX 26.

“They knew where he was, he knew he would never be extradited back to the United States. They protected him.”

Now, according to Felicia’s father, Lou Ruiz, Salazar is “enjoying his life, getting married, having a family,” according to what he told FOX 26.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a “cash reward of up to $10,000” for Salazar’s capture.

He’s described as standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing around 165 pounds in 1999. He has the name “SALAZAR” tattooed across his chest.

“What would she look like today, what would she be doing?” Carrie told ABC 13. “Her children she would have had, a son-in-law, they’ll never know what they took.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Houston Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Felicia Ruiz/Handout]