Mother of murdered Norfolk Navy sailor running for seat in Texas state House of Representatives

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- According to her spokesperson's Facebook post, Esmeralda Cantu-Castle, the mother of murdered Norfolk Navy sailor Angelina Resendiz, announced she is running for a seat in the Texas state House of Representatives.

Resendiz was last seen May 29 at Naval Station Norfolk and reported missing two days later. Her body was found June 9 in a duffel bag, dumped in a wooded area about 10 miles from the base.

In relation to her death, court documents show Navy sailor Jermiah Copeland is facing charges of murder, sexual assault, aggravated assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, wrongful broadcast or distribution of an intimate visual image, obstructing justice and making a false official statement.

The Facebook post announcing Cantu-Castle's decision explained she is running as the Democratic nominee for District 37. The district includes most of Cameron and all of Willacy Counties in the Rio Grande Valley.

Right now, the District 37 seat is held by two-term Republican Janie Lopez of San Benito.

"Cantu-Castle has been outspoken and demanding accountability following her daughter's death, alleging her daughter’s death was preventable and mishandled amid a culture of silence and failed safeguards," said spokeswoman Kimberly Wimbish.

After Resendiz's death, Cantu-Castle has become active in demanding accountability from the U.S. Navy and advocating for increased help for survivors of military sexual abuse.

“I decided to run because I feel called to do so," Cantu-Castle explained. "Over the past year, I’ve met incredible leaders and advocates who reminded me that change happens when ordinary people step forward."