CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — On Monday Robstown Police made a major break in a 2020 murder case.
The crime dates back four years when 65-year-old Edward Paul Hernandez was stabbed to death and left for dead at a local park.
Hernandez's family said they never gave up hope that justice would be served.
On a small table in Elizabeth Leal's home sits an unlit candle in memory of her brother.
It's also something that has served as a reminder his case had remained unsolved.
"I don't want to light it until the day we get justice and that will be the day after the trial," she said.
It's a day that is now closer after Robstown Police, with the help of U.S. Marshals and the Nueces County Sheriff's Office, made an arrest in the ongoing investigation.
40-year-old Jeffrey Rivera was taken into custody for the crime on Monday.
"I don't understand why he would do this to him, why," Leal said.
Hernandez was a painter who was well known around town.
The crime was brutal.
According to police he had suffered multiple stab wounds and was found at a local park by joggers.
His vehicle was discovered in a parking lot of a church.
Hernandez' son, John Edward Hernandez, said he has followed up with police for the last four years, and recalled his reaction when he learned the suspect had been caught.
"You start to question whether it's going to happen, but I can say I was relieved, felt a sense of calmness after four years of grief and just dealing with it," he said.
He also thanked police for never giving up.
"There were a lot of tough times, we stayed strong and the police department did what they need to do, I can not thank detective Garcia enough, everyone who worked," John Edward said.
Detective Rene Garcia took over the case eight months ago.
"I knew how much it meant to the family, his two sons, he really wanted justice for his father," said Garcia.
Police Chief Mike Tamez vowing justice will prevail.
"Four years is a long time to wonder if the murderer of your brother, spouse, husband is ever going to be found, gives that sense that there is no closure to it right," he said.
Leal has missed her brother every day.
"I do miss my brother terribly, he was such a good kind loving man," she said.
"He loved animals, volunteered to help at the local animal shelter, he was a sweetheart. He loved his food and sweets, and that is who is was, a kind individual had a lot of compassion for a lot of people," John Edward said.
Rivera is in jail on a $1,000,000 bond.