This Valentine’s Day marks the 32nd anniversary of an unsolved murder in Houston's western suburbs.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is seeking leads on the killing of Marilu Serrato Geri in 1986. She was shot to death at her home in the Tealbriar development off Highway 6.
Crime Stoppers is now offering a $20,000 reward for a tip that leads to an arrest.
Geri was discovered dead by her mother before a combined Valentine’s Day and birthday party that had been planned at the home.
Fort Bend officials renewed their call for tips during a news conference Wednesday. Two of Geri's siblings spoke about their sister and the case -- and a recorded statement from their mother was played in which she asks for closure after 32 years.
Not even three decades of looking -- and national attention on the former NBC series "Unsolved Mysteries" -- have ever led to an arrest.
About the cold case
The home of Marilu and Stephen Geri was in the 9800 block of Chalford. Deputies arrived after the victim was found to be bleeding and unresponsive and police were called. Geri was transported to Fort Bend Community Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds -- and was declared dead at that facility.
Marilu and her husband had recently moved into the Chalford Street home, which is located along Highway 6, north of present-day Sugar Land Airport. The victim worked with her husband, who operated an insurance business from their upscale home. By all accounts the victim and her husband lived and projected the lifestyle of an affluent couple.
The victim was to host a party at their home the day of the murder in a combined celebration of Valentine’s Day and the birthday of her mother, Maria Serrato. It was Marilu’s mother who discovered the crime as she arrived to help with party preparations.
Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers is offering a $20,000 reward to collect information to help the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office to solve the case.
In the years following the murder, this case garnered national attention -- and was even profiled by Robert Stack on “Unsolved Mysteries."
Fort Bend County detectives have submitted physical evidence for laboratory examination using the latest in forensic analysis technology. It is the Sheriff’s Office hopes that information provided by anyone with knowledge of this crime coupled with recent advances in forensic technology will result in justice in this case.
“This was a tragic crime that has lingered for more than 30 years,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Despite the time frame, we are hoping there are residents who remain in the Houston area or elsewhere who might recall some detail that will lead to an arrest.”
How to help
Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers:
-Call (281) 342-TIPS (8477).
--Text FBCCS plus your tip to CRIMES (274637)
--Submit Online at http://www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/
Information which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn that person up to a $20,000 cash reward.
All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.