12-year-old found strangled in N. Houston creek was ‘caught with the wrong people,’ her mom says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New details have emerged regarding the tragic passing of a 12-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a creek in north Houston on Monday.

Jocelyn Nungaray was found near West Rankin Road close to the North Freeway, just a short walk from her home. Investigators believe she left her house around 10 p.m. on Sunday without her mother’s knowledge, who last saw her before bedtime, as per the police report.

ABC13 obtained surveillance footage capturing what is believed to be Jocelyn’s final moments. In an interview with ABC13 on Wednesday, Jocelyn’s grandmother expressed the family’s desire for justice, stating, “We really want justice for her. We are asking for everyone’s help.”

Described as a kind and loving girl by her grandmother, Jocelyn had recently returned from the family’s annual vacation at Garner State Park.

Later that day, ABC13 spoke with Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungary, who emotionally shared, “She’s meant to be here. She’s supposed to be here. She had aspirations for life. She loved everyone, was so kind. Greatest friend. Very goofy.”

Alexis Nungary mentioned that she doesn’t believe her daughter was acquainted with the individuals captured on the surveillance footage. She described Jocelyn as shy and reserved, not likely to confront strangers abruptly. Alexis speculated that Jocelyn might have been trying to politely disengage from the situation before things took a tragic turn.

Reportedly, Jocelyn was on the phone with her 13-year-old boyfriend around midnight when he overheard her conversing with two adults.

Alexis Nungary shared that she traced her daughter’s phone to a nearby skatepark upon realizing she was missing.