Harris County Murder Trial Delayed as Family Awaits Justice for 2018 Chainsaw Killing

The defendant, Erik Arceneaux, remains jailed as the victim's family continues to wait nearly 8 years for answers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A man charged with killing his girlfriend with a chainsaw in 2018 was set to go on trial this week in Harris County, Texas, but proceedings were delayed after a key prosecution witness became unavailable due to a medical procedure. The victim, 29-year-old Maria Jimenez Rodriguez, has never been found, and her family continues to wait for justice nearly 8 years after her disappearance.

Why it matters

This case highlights the anguish and frustration felt by victims' families when justice is delayed, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in securing convictions without a body. The long wait for trial has taken a heavy emotional toll on Rodriguez's family, who are still searching for closure.

The details

Investigators allege that Erik Arceneaux killed Rodriguez on June 21, 2018, after she went to his home. Surveillance video allegedly shows Arceneaux at a Home Depot, along with receipts for trash bags and a chainsaw. Rodriguez's body has never been found. Arceneaux was charged with murder in 2019 but disappeared before he could face trial, remaining on the run for 5 years before being arrested in Houston in 2023.

  • On June 21, 2018, Rodriguez went missing after dropping her daughter off with a babysitter and heading to work.
  • In 2019, Arceneaux was charged with Rodriguez's murder.
  • Arceneaux disappeared before he could face trial and remained on the run for 5 years.
  • Arceneaux was arrested in Houston in 2023.
  • The trial was expected to begin this week but was postponed due to a key witness being unavailable.

The players

Erik Arceneaux

The defendant charged with killing his girlfriend, Maria Jimenez Rodriguez, with a chainsaw in 2018.

Maria Jimenez Rodriguez

The 29-year-old victim who was allegedly killed by Arceneaux in 2018, though her body has never been found.

Gloria Jimenez

The sister of the victim, Maria Jimenez Rodriguez, who has been waiting nearly 8 years for justice.

Tim Miller

A key prosecution witness who was unable to testify due to a medical procedure, leading to the trial's postponement.

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What they’re saying

“Time stopped on June 21st, 2018.”

— Gloria Jimenez, Sister of the victim (khou.com)

“That is where all this nightmare starts.”

— Gloria Jimenez, Sister of the victim (khou.com)

“They said he had murdered her and he had used a chainsaw.”

— Gloria Jimenez, Sister of the victim (khou.com)

“That was my nightmare, he was on the run for 5 years.”

— Gloria Jimenez, Sister of the victim (khou.com)

“God does everything for a reason. This is what he desired. I have waited 8 years, I can wait a little longer.”

— Gloria Jimenez, Sister of the victim (khou.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide when the trial can be rescheduled once the key witness is available to testify.

The takeaway

This case highlights the immense emotional toll on victims' families when justice is delayed, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in securing convictions without a body. Despite the setbacks, Rodriguez's family remains steadfast in their pursuit of answers and closure, demonstrating the power of faith and perseverance in the face of unimaginable tragedy.