Texas: Body of 12-Year-Old Girl Found in Creek Identified

The city of Houston is reeling from the heartbreaking discovery of a Texas girl, Jocelyn Nungaray,12, whose lifeless body was found in a creek near West Rankin Road.

Early Monday, around 6 AM, a passerby, Billie Jean Jackson, stumbled upon her lifeless form while crossing the bridge over the creek, according to ABC 13.

The shock and anguish felt by Jackson, who initially mistook the figure for a mannequin, reverberates throughout the community.

"I saw what I thought was a mannequin," Jackson recounted tearfully. "I did a U-turn, and I stopped on the bridge, put my flashers on, looked down, and realized it was someone."

Immediately recognizing the gravity of the situation, Jackson wasted no time alerting authorities. "I parked right here and called 911 immediately," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Dive teams swiftly responded to the scene, retrieving Jocelyn's body from the shallow waters.

The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed her identity.

Jocelyn, who had reportedly sneaked out of her family's apartment complex late Sunday night, had last been seen by her mother around 10 PM before she went to bed.

Heartbreak and Investigation

Texas girl's sudden disappearance and tragic death have left her family and community in shock.

Speaking to reporters, her grandmother tearfully described her as a loving and kind-hearted girl, emphasizing the family's deep grief and their plea for justice.

The grieving mother, Alexis Nungaray, expressed disbelief over the events, describing Jocelyn as having a bright future ahead, filled with aspirations and kindness.

Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray, spoke fondly of her daughter, reminiscing about her kind-hearted nature and zest for life.

"She's meant to be here. She's supposed to be here," Nungaray reflected, her voice choked with emotion. "She had aspirations for life. She loved everyone and was so kind. Greatest friend. Very goofy."

Police have been reviewing surveillance footage from the area to piece together Jocelyn's movements before her body was found.

They revealed that Jocelyn had been in contact with her 13-year-old boyfriend late Sunday night, and he overheard her speaking with two unidentified adults at a nearby convenience store, KHOU 11 reports.

This revelation has prompted a focused search for these individuals, described only as two males wearing baseball-style caps.

Community Response and Police Efforts

Houston Mayor John Whitmire spoke out about the case, expressing his shock and horror at the circumstances surrounding the Texas girl's death, PEOPLE noted.

He acknowledged the city's resolve in finding those responsible and ensuring justice for Jocelyn and her family.

Police have urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist in the investigation.

As the investigation into Texas girl's death continues, the Houston Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth and holding those accountable.

The community has rallied around the family, offering support and solidarity during the immense loss.

Vigils and memorials have been planned to honor Jocelyn's memory and to keep attention on finding answers.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Police say 12-year-old found dead in N. Houston creek was strangled, seek 2 persons of interest - From KPRC 2 Click2Houston