Jocelyn Nungaray Honored with ‘We Remember’ Memorial at Cypress Top Historic Park
In a poignant ceremony filled with love, grief, and a call to action, the life of 12-year-old Jocelyn Lisel Nungaray was honored with a permanent memorial at Cypress Top Historic Park.
Commissioner Tom Ramsey of Harris County Precinct 3 and Crime Stoppers of Houston joined Jocelyn’s family and community members to dedicate a We Remember Memorial tree and bench in her name—transforming a corner of the park into a quiet place of remembrance for a girl whose tragic death shook not just Greater Houston, but the entire country.
Jocelyn was murdered in 2024 by two men who were in the country illegally. Her case garnered national attention and reignited discussions around child safety, crime prevention, and justice reform. But for her mother, Alexis Nungaray, the focus now is on remembrance, healing, and love.
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“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.”
Surrounded by flowers, tears, and the steady shade of the tree that now bears her name, community leaders shared their commitment to ensure Jocelyn’s life will not be forgotten.
“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.”
(Source: Harris County Precinct 3)The memorial is part of Precinct 3’s We Remember Memorial Project, which honors victims of violent crime throughout park spaces in Northwest Harris County. Each bench and tree is a symbol of a life lost too soon and a call to action for visitors to stand for justice, safety, and support for survivors and their families.
“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 two individuals responsible for Jocelyn’s murder remain in custody at the Harris County Jail and are awaiting trial.
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As a child, Jocelyn was known for her energy, compassion, and creativity. Though her life was cut short, her memory continues to grow, now rooted in the soil of Cypress Top Historic Park—offering a place for friends, neighbors, and strangers to sit, remember, and reflect.
Precinct 3’s Parks Department will care for Jocelyn’s memorial and tree in perpetuity. To learn more about the We Remember Memorial Project, or to get involved in victim advocacy and community safety efforts, visit pct3.com/We-Remember-Memorial.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
