HOUSTON, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is appealing for information regarding the 1980 murders of Estella Salinas, 31, and her son, Andrew Salinas, 14, in Houston.
On December 25, 1980, the bodies of Estella and Andrew Salinas were discovered strangled near the east side of White Oak Bayou and the Pinemont Bridge, close to the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive. Earlier that day, they left their home to visit family at Estella’s parents’ residence.
Witnesses last saw them in a blue 1972 Mercury Cougar near Cavalcade Street and the US-59 northbound frontage road. The vehicle was later found with keys and personal items inside, according to a press release from the Texas Rangers Cold Case Unit.
Despite interviews with several witnesses over the years, no arrests have been made. The case has now been submitted for modern DNA analysis. The Houston Police Department and Texas Rangers continue to investigate, believing community members may hold crucial information.
Texas Crime Stoppers, funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, offers cash rewards for tips leading to arrests in Texas Rangers cold cases. The reward for this case is increased to $6,000 if tips are received before the next featured case is announced. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online by selecting “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the crime type sections.
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program, which highlights a case bi-monthly, aims to generate new leads and public interest in unsolved cases. The program assists Texas law enforcement in investigating unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes, as there is no statute of limitations for murder.