Houston community mourns 12-year-old, demands justice

HOUSTON – Family, friends and community members gathered Friday evening to honor the life of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who is remembered for her caring spirit and love of animals. The community paid tribute to the girl’s goofy personality and also called for justice to take action.

Amid this outpouring of support, Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m just very lucky and grateful that everyone is here, it’s very difficult to be here,” she remarked through tears.

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In a message to her absent daughter, Alexis said: “You said no one cares about you; look at all the people who are here. They care about you.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, along with Houston Fire officials and members of the Police Department, joined the evening’s commemoration. The show of solidarity from city leaders highlighted the significant impact of Jocelyn’s life on the community.

Chief Larry Sattiewhite spoke about the tragedy, saying, “When you have such an innocent child losing their life so horribly in this situation, it’s not the end for us; That’s all we have. »

Mourners wore black, brown and forest green, reflecting Jocelyn’s favorite colors, while remembering her hobbies, which included reading and playing the cello. “Forever 12 years old, she will never be a teenager. She will always be 12 years old,” her mother lamented.

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Jocelyn’s death captured the nation’s attention, a fact that was not lost on her family. Her grandfather, Kelvin Nungaray, commented on the legacy she leaves: “It’s incredible. One thing I told my daughter (Alexis) to keep in mind is that everything we see here is to show that Jocy did not realize the impact she had on all of us.”

At the end of the vigil, the focus shifted to the judicial response, with the mayor and Jocelyn’s family emphasizing the public’s expectations for justice.