HARRIS COUNTY, TX – The life of 12-year-old Jocelyn Lisel Nungaray was senselessly taken last year by two violent criminals illegally residing in Houston. Her case struck at the heart of millions across the nation. In honor of her, and countless other victims of violent crime, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Crime Stoppers of Houston joined Jocelyn’s family to dedicate a We Remember Memorial bench and tree at Cypress Top Historic Park. 

“Jocelyn should be here with us today, with her family, enjoying her school year and friends,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “We, along with Crime Stoppers, continue the fight against evil because there is no place in this society for people who harm our children. We stand here to dedicate this area to Jocelyn, and we lift her family up in our prayers.” 

For Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, the memorial offers a space to reflect on her daughter’s spirit, the joy she brought to those who knew her, and to carry on her memory. “This tree and memorial bench are dedicated to show the beauty and great strength that Jocelyn gave in this world,” said Alexis. “Through this tree, her spirit will go to live on to remind us of how free she is. Through this bench, her loved ones will feel her presence beside them.” 

Crime Stoppers of Houston works with families, including Jocelyn’s, to ensure that justice is served. The two murderers responsible for Jocelyn’s death are currently in custody at the Harris County Jail and awaiting trial. 

"Jocelyn’s death galvanized not just a city, not just a county, not just the state of Texas, but an entire nation that mourned her loss,” said Andy Kahan, Crime Stoppers of Houston Director of Victim Services and Advocacy. “While we cannot go back and change what happened, we can honor Jocelyn by creating meaningful, lasting change in her name. From advancing policies that protect our most vulnerable, to building stronger, more compassionate communities, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to make the world better for those who come after her. In that way, Jocelyn’s legacy will not be defined by tragedy, but by the hope, progress, and positive impact she continues to inspire." 

The We Remember Memorial initiative raises awareness for victims by creating tributes in their honor throughout Precinct 3 park spaces. This also encourages visitors to become involved with cases that remain unsolved and to advocate for crime prevention and justice. 

Precinct 3’s Parks Department maintains each memorial bench and cares for the trees so that they may grow for decades to come. For more information about the We Remember Memorial Project and ways to support victim advocacy, please visit www.pct3.com/We-Remember-Memorial.