DNA: ID — “Barbara Villarreal Part 2 of 2”
Host: Jessica Betancourt
Release Date: January 26, 2026
Podcast: DNA: ID by AbJack Entertainment
Main Theme & Episode Overview
This gripping installment concludes the astonishingly complex story of the 1986 murder of Barbara Villarreal in Garland, Texas—a cold case revived and finally solved through investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). Host Jessica Betancourt meticulously disentangles decades of obfuscation, identity theft, and familial secrets to reveal how DNA breakthroughs, dedicated investigators, and family cooperation led to the arrest and conviction of Barbara’s brother-in-law, Liborio Canales. The episode also probes lingering mysteries: Was Barbara’s husband, who lived under many names, also complicit in her murder? Did he fake his own death? This is true crime storytelling at its most knotty and compelling.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. New DNA Technology Sparks Case Reopening
[00:30–02:35]
- In the mid-2010s, Detective Gary Sweet of Garland PD revisits Barbara Villarreal’s case, recognizing the potential of new DNA technologies.
- DNA testing of blood from a handball glove and porch drops yields an unknown male profile—Hispanic, contradicting the original claim that white and Black men invaded the home.
- Investigators struggle to resolve the true identity of Barbara's husband, who used several aliases.
2. Unraveling False Identities: “Domingo Villarreal” Exposed
[02:36–09:34]
- Detective Katie Tucker discovers fingerprints reveal Barbara's husband was never really “Domingo Villarreal,” but instead Jesus Canales, a man with a criminal history in both Texas and Illinois.
- “Barbara’s husband was not named Domingo Villarreal at all. His name was Jesus Canales.” — Jessica Betancourt [07:28]
- Multiple family members and neighbors recall him as Jesse or Jesus—not Domingo—revealing a web of deception going back decades.
3. Building a Genetic Family Tree—Genealogy Meets Detective Work
[09:35–11:38]
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Genealogy efforts hit a wall: only distant fourth and fifth cousin DNA matches are found due to underrepresentation of first-generation Hispanics in databases.
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Clever workaround: Jesus Canales’s known daughters, Jessica and Jennifer (living in Iowa), are located and consent to AncestryDNA testing. Comparing their profiles on GEDmatch to the unknown suspect profile, the team deduces the killer was a paternal uncle—not their father.
“The amount of DNA they shared with the suspect indicated he was not a close enough relative to be their father, but he was likely a biological uncle.” — Jessica Betancourt [10:56]
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Focus narrows to Jesus’s two brothers: Liborio and Juan Canales.
4. Surveillance, Deception, and the $100 Hat
[14:19–17:52]
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Investigators surveil Juan Canales in New Mexico for DNA, but he is exceedingly paranoid and leaves no usable samples.
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In a memorable twist, an undercover operation in Walmart nets Juan’s well-worn “Duck Commander” hat for $100 for DNA testing.
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The result: Juan is ruled out.
“Elstrom reached into his wallet and pulled out a hundred dollar bill. He said, how about if I give you a hundred bucks for it? Juan handed over the gnarly hat, Elstrom handed over the cash, and both were happy…” — Jessica Betancourt [15:26]
5. Liborio Canales: Evidence and Arrest
[17:53–23:55]
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The investigation pivots to Liborio, living in Rodeo, Mexico, but with daughters in New Mexico.
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Trash scans yield DNA from a water bottle at his daughter’s home, confirming paternity and linking Liborio to the crime.
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In March 2023, a warrant is issued for Liborio’s arrest. Detectives await his predictable visits to his daughters across the border.
“[Investigators] believe the murder was committed by the brother of Jesus, Liborio Canales.” — Detective Lucas Shoup, probable cause affidavit [20:13]
6. The Arrest and Confession
[23:56–28:20]
- July 2023: Surveillance catches Liborio visiting his daughter in Lovington, NM. Tactful questioning and an interpreter bring him in without drama.
- Miraculously, Liborio confesses to the murder, describing how he became angry when his brother Jesus and Barbara didn’t want him to visit, ultimately traveling to Dallas and committing the stabbing.
- He corroborates details: showing scars matching injuries from the crime scene, and matching DNA.
“He admitted everything. Well, in my opinion, not everything, but a lot.” — Jessica Betancourt [24:11]
- He repeatedly denies Jesus was present or involved: “No, my brother was not there and if he was, I would have killed him too.” [26:03]
7. Justice and Family Response
[28:21–31:18]
- Liborio Canales, at age 86, pleads guilty on March 12, 2024, to the murder of Barbara Carr Villarreal.
- The case is cited as Dallas County’s first homicide conviction based on investigative genetic genealogy.
- Moving statements from Barbara’s family at sentencing:
“You didn’t just kill Barb, you killed a little piece of everyone she knew…. The desire for you to suffer the same pain… has passed. It would serve no purpose and will never bring her back.” — Jennifer Dunderman (Barbara’s sister-in-law) [30:05] “It doesn’t fix what happened, but it does give us enough so at least we don’t walk through life with questions anymore.” — Mark Dunderman (Barbara’s brother) [30:10]
- Judge sentences Liborio to 20 years in prison.
Deeper Context & Unanswered Questions
8. Who Really Was Jesus Canales?
[32:02–41:36]
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Investigation into Jesus Canales’s true life: orphaned in Mexico, lived under multiple aliases, criminal brushes, suspected drug trafficking ties, and possibly faked his own death.
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Even in family, he was known as deceitful—his nickname was “Liar.”
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Strange posthumous calls to his daughters (“miha”) suggest a tantalizing twist: did he escape and start yet another new life?
“Is there any way that Jesus Canales faked his own death?...so does much of this case.” — Jessica Betancourt [39:43]
9. The Unanswered “Why?” and Alleged Conspiracy
[44:11–53:24]
- Was Liborio acting alone, or was this a planned murder orchestrated by Jesus?
- Host, family, and DA’s office suspect Jesus masterminded it, motivated by failing marriage, insurance policies, and possible inheritance.
- Evidence of coordinated efforts: the stolen murder weapon, staged burglary, cleaned up crime scene, and misleading stories told to police and Barbara's family.
“Jesus Canalis was diabolical. All the lies, the stolen identities, gambling, guns, drug dealing, murder, and who knows what else.” — Jessica Betancourt [52:37]
- Societal reflections: This case illustrates both the power and persistence of modern DNA methods and the deep trauma for the victim’s loved ones.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Barbara’s husband was not named Domingo Villarreal at all. His name was Jesus Canales.” — Jessica Betancourt [07:28]
- “The amount of DNA they shared with the suspect indicated he was not a close enough relative to be their father, but he was likely a biological uncle.” — [10:56]
- “Elstrom reached into his wallet and pulled out a hundred dollar bill. He said, how about if I give you a hundred bucks for it? Juan handed over the gnarly hat, Elstrom handed over the cash, and both were happy…” — [15:26]
- “He admitted everything. Well, in my opinion, not everything, but a lot.” — Jessica Betancourt [24:11]
- “[Liborio:] Because she didn’t like me, he said... more or less... I did it. How many times? I’m not sure exactly. A hundred, maybe. More, I don’t know.” — Interview with Liborio, as described by Jessica Betancourt [25:41]
- “You didn’t just kill Barb, you killed a little piece of everyone she knew. The desire for you to suffer the same pain you caused her has passed... It would serve no purpose and will never bring her back.” — Jennifer Dunderman [30:05]
- “Jesus Canalis was diabolical. All the lies, the stolen identities, gambling, guns, drug dealing murder and who knows what else. The man who introduced Barbara and Jesus... said his nickname in the neighborhood was Liar.” — [52:37]
- “After 26 years, the case of Barbara Villareal is closed, thanks to IGG. And if you’re one of the bad guys, they are coming for you.” — Jessica Betancourt [53:10]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Reopening the Investigation & DNA Testing: 00:30–02:35
- Revealing Jesus Canales’s True Identity: 02:36–09:34
- Genealogical Investigation—Pinpointing Relatives: 09:35–11:38
- Surveillance & $100 Hat Sting Operation: 14:19–17:52
- DNA Link and Arresting Liborio: 17:53–23:55
- Confession, Family Response, and Sentencing: 23:56–31:18
- Who Was Jesus Canales? Mysteries and Theories: 32:02–41:36
- Unsolved Motives & Theories of Conspiracy: 44:11–53:24
Tone & Style
Jessica Betancourt’s narration is diligent, methodical, and disbelieving at the excesses of deception and tragedy. With a blend of skepticism, empathy, and dry wit (notably in her account of the $100 hat sting), she gives the audience clear, fact-based analysis but doesn’t shy away from the darkest questions about guilt, justice, and closure after decades.
Conclusion
This episode of DNA: ID serves as both a masterclass in modern forensic investigation and a poignant reminder that truth and justice—no matter how delayed—can finally catch up to even the most labyrinthine of killers. It’s dedicated not only to the memory of Barbara Villarreal, but to the families and law enforcement who refuse to let these stories fade.
For further resources and discussion, join the DNA: ID Podcast Discussion group on Facebook or visit DNAIDPodcast.com.