In September of 1984 Rowena Lee Wilkinson Zapalac and her 3 year old son moved back to Flatonia, Texas so she could work  & raise her son in a "safe" environment.  On Sept 19th, she and her friend/neighbor found babysitters so they could enjoy an evening out. The the next morning  (9/20) when Rowena failed to pick up her son or go to work, her friend/neighbor & her boss went to check on her.  At that time they found her deceased in her apartment.  Her death was ruled an accidental suicide, but the evidence tell an entirely different story.

At the scene, Rowena’s body displayed bruising that was consistent with force. The setting of her death appeared staged—an indicator that her death was not a choice but an inflicted tragedy. More disturbing are the significant gaps in the original investigation that beg to be addressed, pointing towards the possibility of homicide rather than self-infliction. 

To have her case reclassified and the investigation reopened, we are requesting respectfully that:

Fayette County Attorney's Office petition the appropriate Justice of the Peace (or other certifying authority) under the Texas law to reopen the inquest and amend the manner of death on Rowena's death certificate to homicide based on the totality of the evidence.  
Fayette County Sheriff's Office formally reopen the investigation into Rowena's death and pursue all modern forensic avenues, including DNA testing and database comparison of retained evidence.  
The County coordinate with the Texas Rangers and accredited forensic laboratories to ensure an independent, contemporary review. 
Evidence that was problematic (in brief)

Injuries consistent with restraint:  Autopsy documentation notes bruising to Rowena's upper arms consistent with being gripped from behind.  This is not compatible with an accidental autoerotic scenario. 
Staging indicators:  Rowena was found nude with a ligature & decorative beads positioned around her neck.  Personal items were arranged in a way that suggests presentation, not privacy or a solitary act gone wrong. 
Scene inconsistencies:  Family members documented a broken acrylic nail on the floor near her bathroom,  there was a broken window/screen in the kitchen that was not reflected in the initial law-enforcement report.  These details support forced entry and a struggle in her bedroom. 
Forensic leads left on the table:  Laboratory reports indicate spermatozoa and retained hair/fiber evidence.  With today's DNA technology (including Y-STR and SNP testing), these items can be tested and compared against databases that did not exist in 1984.   
These facts don't prove who killed Rowena, but they disprove the notion that she died by accident.  The current manner-of-death label blocks the investigative tools this case deserves.

Reclassifying would unlock:

Authority and urgency:  A homicide classification compels the appropriate investigative posture and resources.
Forensic testing:  CODIS-eligible DNA comparisons, advanced hair and touch-DNA methods, and genealogical leads can be pursued where lawful and appropriate.
Witness re-contacts:  A homicide designation supports renewed interviews and credibility assessments of historic statements.  
Our commitment:

We ask county leadership to affirm that Rowena's life is worth a correct record and a complete investigation.  A revised death certificate and a reopened case are not accusations against any individual; they are a commitment to the truth.  

Call to action:

Add your name if you believe:

 Staged scenes and contradictory evidence should not be written off as "accidental."
Families deserve accurate death certificates and good-faith investigations.
Fayette County should use today's forensic tools to seek accountability for Rowena.  
We will be delivering this petition to the Fayette County Attorney's Office and the Fayette County Sheriff's Office and request a public response outlining next steps and timelines.  Please help us get justice for Rowena by signing this petition. Your support can help us right this grievous wrong and ensure such oversights do not overshadow genuine cries for justice again.