Authorities arrested two persons of interest who were last seen on surveillance footage with 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray hours before she was found dead in a Texas creek.
The persons of interest were not publicly identified, but police released stills of the men outside a 7-Eleven with the girl, leading to their capture Thursday morning, the Houston Police Department announced on X, shortly after.
Jocelyn was last seen by her mother at their Houston apartment Sunday night. By 6 a.m., Monday, Alexis Nungaray realized her daughter snuck out and was missing, KPRC-TV reported. At the same time, a woman called police to report a dead body in a nearby creek.
UPDATE: Our homicide detectives want to speak with these two male persons of interest regarding the death of a 12-year-old female at 400 West Rankin Rd.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 19, 2024
If you recognize them, please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU
More info at https://t.co/J5pnr9nXpc https://t.co/RpFpzjsSX7 pic.twitter.com/N9RZew2kqu
"I want karma to hit them," Nungaray told the outlet of whoever is responsible for her daughter's death. "I'm angry. They took advantage of her. She's so young. She's 12. I want justice."
"They took my baby away," she continued.
Jocelyn was allegedly raped and strangled to death, The National Desk reported, citing police.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Mayor John Whitemire said he was "angry that we have dangerous criminals on the streets of Houston" and wants the "bad actors to be held accountable" for Jocelyn's death.
Meantime, loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset funeral costs.
