Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection to the tragic death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, found deceased in a north Houston creek. According to ABC13, these persons of interest were brought in less than two days after the Houston Police Department circulated images of them. As the investigation unfolds, details regarding their connection to the case remain closely held by authorities.

The girl's body was located on Monday off West Rankin Road, close to where she lived, after reportedly sneaking out of her home the previous night. HPD has since been working to quickly leverage surveillance footage to aid in the apprehension of those responsible for Jocelyn's death. In an interview obtained by KHOU 11 News, new photographic evidence depicting Jocelyn alongside a man, already sought for questioning, came to public attention, feeding hopes of a swift resolution.

The family is reeling from the loss, with Jocelyn's grandmother making a heartfelt appeal, "We really want justice for her. We are asking for everyone's help." Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, described her daughter to ABC13 as a child full of aspirations, love, and kindness. Anyone with further information has been urged to reach out to Crime Stoppers of Houston.

In a grim update, authorities determined that Jocelyn died by strangulation, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire later stated that she was also raped. The community and law enforcement alike are determined to quickly bring to book those behind this heinous act. As the investigation continues, a $5,000 reward stands for information leading to the capture and conviction of the perpetrators, report both ABC13 and KHOU 11 News. The hotline for Crime Stoppers of Houston is 713-222-TIPS (8477).