Durham Police Keep Husband on Suspect List in Slaying

DURHAM, N.C. — Durham police are saying that Janet Abaroa's husband, Raven Abaroa, has not been eliminated as a suspect in her slaying two years ago.

And even though the killing on April 26, 2005, is otherwise considered a cold case, detectives say it's still very active.

“It's a very active open investigation. We are pursuing things. Our investigators are still spending hours and hours on it, and we're working with the FBI in Utah on it,” said Durham police spokeswoman Kammie Michael.

Janet Abaroa, 25, was stabbed to death in her Durham home. Raven Abaroa told police he found her in an upstairs bedroom. Their 6-month-old son, Caiden, was unharmed nearby.

Detectives have said they've continued to follow leads in the case, but this is the first time, they admit they have not ruled out Raven Abaroa as a suspect.

Since the killing, he and Caiden have moved to Utah.

Janet Abaroa’s family says the wait has been almost unbearable.

“It's up and down. Some days are good and some days are not good. Some days are very bad,” said Dana Kendall, Janet Abaroa’s sister.

WRAL spoke with Kendall by phone, and she said the past two years have been frustrating.

“Although two years passed and you try to move on and move on with your life, it's hard to do it when nothing's been reconciled,” Kendall said.