Texas Seeks Public's Help in Solving 45-Year Double Murder Cold Case

A $6,000 reward is offered for information that could help identify the killer of a Houston mother and son murdered in 1980.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking the public for help in finding the person responsible for the 1980 murders of Estella Salinas, 31, and her 14-year-old son Andrew. The mother and son were strangled to death on Christmas Day, and their killer was never found. Authorities are now using modern DNA technology to try to solve this 45-year-old cold case and are offering a $6,000 reward for any tips that could help identify the perpetrator.

Why it matters

This horrific double murder has remained unsolved for over four decades, leaving the victims' family without closure. Reopening the case and appealing to the public for help demonstrates the state's commitment to using all available resources, including advanced forensic techniques, to pursue justice for cold cases and provide answers to grieving families.

The details

On December 25, 1980, Estella Salinas and her 14-year-old son Andrew were found strangled to death near the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive in Houston. The pair had been on their way to visit family for Christmas when they disappeared. Their vehicle, a blue 1972 Mercury Cougar, was later found near the freeway with the keys and personal belongings still inside. Over the years, witnesses have come forward with information, but no arrests have been made. The Houston Police Department and Texas Rangers are now reopening the case and using modern DNA analysis techniques in hopes of finally identifying the killer.

  • On Christmas Day 1980, the bodies of Estella Salinas and her son Andrew were found.
  • The murders occurred over 45 years ago, in December 1980.

The players

Estella Salinas

A 31-year-old Houston woman who was murdered along with her 14-year-old son in 1980.

Andrew Salinas

Estella Salinas' 14-year-old son who was murdered along with his mother in 1980.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The state law enforcement agency that is reopening the cold case investigation and offering a $6,000 reward for information.

Houston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency working with the Texas Rangers to investigate this cold case.

Texas Rangers

The state's elite investigative law enforcement unit that is assisting the Houston Police Department with this cold case.

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What’s next

The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging anyone with information about this 45-year-old double murder case to come forward and submit an anonymous tip, which could be worth $6,000.

The takeaway

This tragic unsolved crime from 1980 highlights the importance of never giving up on cold cases, even decades later. With the help of modern forensic technology and the public's assistance, there is still hope that the perpetrator of this horrific double murder can be identified and brought to justice, providing long-awaited closure for the victims' family.