HOUSTON – Houston police say a 12-year-old girl whose body was found in a creek was strangled to death.
UPDATE: Our homicide detectives want to speak with these two male persons of interest regarding the death of a 12-year-old female at 400 West Rankin Rd.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 19, 2024
If you recognize them, please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU
More info at https://t.co/J5pnr9nXpc https://t.co/RpFpzjsSX7 pic.twitter.com/N9RZew2kqu
The announcement comes after further investigation from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, which ruled the 12-year-old died from strangulation.
The 12-year-old’s body was found in a creek at 400 W. Rankin Road around 6:15 a.m. Monday.
Police released surveillance photos of two persons of interest they would like to question in connection to the girl’s death.
Investigators told KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry the two men were the last to be seen with the girl and they don’t believe they ever left the area.
The men did not arrive at the store with the girl, investigators said, but instead initially crossed paths there.
So far, ages of the men haven’t been released and there is no vehicle description.
While the medical examiner’s office continues working to officially identify the victim, the girl’s grandmother told KPRC 2 she is hoping and praying it isn’t her, describing the last 24 hours as the “worst,” “like a bad dream,” and “shock.”
After the girl wasn’t at home, the grandmother said her mother tracked her cell phone to the creek. What she found has been too emotional to discuss, she said.
“We should not have to worry about 12-year-olds being raped and murdered in the City of Houston. Horrible,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said at a city council meeting Tuesday.
The grandmother said the girl, her younger brother, and her mother had recently moved to the area near Rankin Road and Kuykendahl Road. She described her as quiet, independent, smart and sweet. She dreamed of being an actress, deeply loved music and her brother, she said.
The family asked for help in getting the perpetrators off the streets.
Anyone with information on the identities of the two persons of interest or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.