HOUSTON – A couple has been charged in connection with the suicide of Brandy Vela, 18.
Vela, a Texas City High School senior, died on Nov. 29, 2016, after her family said she endured several months of relentless cyberbullying, stalking and harassment.
Andres Arturo Villagomez, 21, and Karinthya Sanchez Romero, 22, both of Galveston, were charged in the case.
Villagomez was charged with unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.
Romero was charged with stalking and online impersonation.
Authorities said Villagomez and Vela had previously dated.
According to court records, Villagomez published naked pictures of Vela online, causing her to be embarrassed and tormented.
Romero is accused of continually calling Vela and sending her threatening text messages.
Vela's father, Raul Vela, said he was happy charges have been filed, but feels the case is far from over.
"I was just so ecstatic, jumping around," Raul Vela said. "I could barely contain myself. It's not justice, but I think it's the first step to justice, and I think we're definitely on the right path."
Villagomez was being held on $2,500 bond.
Romero was held on a bond of $20,000.