'We Remember' Memorial Project Brings Healing and Honor to Victims of Violent Crime Across Harris County Precinct 3
In a poignant partnership between Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Houston, a new initiative is quietly transforming grief into remembrance—and public parks into places of healing. The We Remember Memorial Project aims to honor victims of homicide and violent crime through memorial bench and tree installations in all 72 parks within Precinct 3.
The project, launched in 2025, is more than just a beautification effort. It’s a powerful symbol of advocacy and a tangible way to support families and survivors who often feel forgotten after the headlines fade.
Each dedication ceremony—open to the public and covered by local media—spotlights the lives of individuals lost too soon, while connecting families with critical victim support services offered by Crime Stoppers of Houston and community partners.
A Personal Place of Peace
For many families, these memorials are more than markers—they are sacred spaces.
“Our beautiful daughter Liz Nuelle Barraza has a tree dedicated to her in Burroughs Park. Her tree is in a place of peace and beauty in a park that we frequented when Liz was alive. It gives her friends and family a special place where we can go when we need to feel her presence,” shared Liz’s parents, Bob and Rosemary Nuelle.
Liz, a kind and joyful 29-year-old with a passion for costumes, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, was fatally shot during a garage sale on January 25, 2019. Her case remains unsolved, and a $50,000 reward is still offered for information. Her bench dedication took place on January 30, 2025 at Burroughs Park.
Spaces for Reflection and Strength
The memorials offer solace in the face of unimaginable loss, like the tribute for Farah Baquer, a devoted mother who was murdered in 1994. Her bench was placed in a Precinct 3 park on March 26, 2025.
“A place we can come to for peace in a beautiful park to cherish her memory. Our family is thankful for the community, and everyone involved in her honor,” said her son, Brad Baquer.
Farah’s murder—at the hands of her estranged husband, who was later convicted and executed—left her children without a mother, but the memorial helps keep her spirit close to home.
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Carrying Forward a Legacy of Love
The family of Caleb Rickenbacher, who was just 20 when he was killed in a hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle, saw his bench dedication on May 21, 2025 as a continuation of his giving spirit.
“Every family longs for their child to be remembered... This space gives our family a place to reflect on Caleb’s life and legacy — a place to feel close to him,” said his mother, Melissa Rickenbacher.
Caleb, who devoted his time to helping others and bringing joy to everyone he met, is now honored through a nonprofit launched in his name: calebslegacyoflove.org.
A Tribute for a Dreamer
One of the most recent additions to the project honors 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose tragic 2024 murder sent shockwaves throughout Houston. A bench in her name will be dedicated at Cypress Top Historic Park on September 23, 2025.
“This tree and memorial bench is dedicated to show the beauty and great strength that Jocelyn gave in this world… Through this bench, her loved ones will feel her presence beside them,” shared her mother, Alexis Nungaray.
Jocelyn dreamed of becoming a famous actress and was known for her love of magical stories and stray animals. Her life was stolen in an unspeakable act of violence, but through this project, her name and legacy will live on.
How to Participate
Commissioner Ramsey and Crime Stoppers invite other families impacted by violent crime in Precinct 3 to take part in this project. If you would like to request a memorial bench and tree in memory of a loved one, visit crime-stoppers.org/we-remember-request
This partnership supports not only remembrance but victim services, advocacy, healing, and justice. As Crime Stoppers of Houston continues its mission to uplift survivors and prevent violence, initiatives like the We Remember Memorial Project serve as quiet but powerful reminders: every life matters, and no victim is forgotten.
Tip Information for Unsolved Cases (like Liz Barraza): If you have information, please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston:
- Call: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
- App: Crime Stoppers Houston (iOS/Google Play)
- Online: Submit a Tip
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for future updates on memorial dedications and victim advocacy programs throughout Harris County.
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.
