Loved ones told KHOU 11 that Christelrose Angel Ramirez was a bright light who would help anyone in need.
HOUSTON — Loved ones are mourning the death of Christelrose Angel Ramirez, a Houston woman whose boyfriend is accused of killing her and hiding her body in a barrel in a wooded area, according to court records.
Jesus Varela, 48, is charged with murder in Ramirez’s death. Court documents allege Varela shot Ramirez multiple times around Dec. 1 and then placed her body inside a barrel that was left in a wooded area. Ramirez’s family said detectives told them the location was near Ella Boulevard and Greens Road in northwest Houston.
“Nobody deserves to die like that, because we are not dogs or animals or trash to be thrown out there,” Ramirez’s father, Ricardo Ramirez, said, fighting back tears as he grapples with this tragic loss. “It’s like someone sucked the life out of you, and you cannot grasp it back.:
As KHOU 11 first reported last weekend, Varela is also accused of forcing one of his family members to help him hide Ramirez’s body and other evidence. He is charged with assaulting that family member while allegedly trying to get them to help cover up the alleged killing, as well as unlawful restraint and tampering with evidence.
Still, loved ones said they still have a lot of questions about what exactly led up to Ramirez’s death.
“There’s no clarity about what really happened to my cousin Christel, and we want answers,” Vanessa Salazar, Ramirez’s cousin, said.
Family members described Ramirez as a kind and loving person who was always willing to help others.
“I want her to be remembered as loving and joyful and friendly,” Norma Ramirez Hernandez, Ramirez’s aunt, said.
Ramirez’s father added, “She lit up the room. She would hug you all the time so show her love. She had a lot of love in her.”
Relatives said Ramirez and Varela had an off-and-on relationship that at times was abusive. In the wake of her death, they are urging others experiencing domestic violence to seek help.
“Don’t be a victim. Don’t die in a barrel. Be someone that speaks up and breaks the bond of fear,” Maggie Ramirez, Ramirez’s aunt, said.
Ramirez’s father said he hopes Varela faces a punishment consistent with the crimes for which he is accused.
“I’m going to be there every day in court to make sure that they give him the maximum,” he said. “All I want is justice for my daughter.”
Varela was booked into the Harris County Jail. According to court records, he was born in Honduras. Varela has been placed on a hold by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but the details of that are still unclear.
Varela is scheduled to be back in court on Monday morning.
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family.
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