LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities have renewed a public plea for information in the unsolved murder of 14-year-old Emmery Munoz, nearly two decades after her body was discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Boyle Heights. The appeal comes on what would have been Munoz’s 34th birthday, as detectives and family members continue to seek answers in a case that has remained cold since 2006.
Munoz, a student at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in East Los Angeles, was last seen on January 20, 2006, in the City Terrace neighborhood. She never returned home. After five days of uncertainty, her body was found at a loading dock behind a vacant warehouse in the 1300 block of Mirasol Street, just south of downtown Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later confirmed that Munoz died from strangulation. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Authorities have long suspected the killing was random in nature. No suspects have ever been publicly identified, and no motive has been established. Despite initial interviews conducted with Munoz’s classmates, friends, and individuals in the surrounding community, detectives say no actionable leads have emerged.
“We’ve spoken to numerous people over the years, including those who were close to her, but the case remains unsolved,” LAPD Lieutenant Ryan Rabbett said during a press conference on Wednesday. “We believe someone out there knows what happened. Perhaps they were afraid to come forward then. We’re asking them to do so now.”
Rabbett described Munoz as an energetic and optimistic teenager with plans to become a nurse. Her academic aspirations, family devotion, and outgoing personality made the case all the more heartbreaking, he said.
“She had a bright and really just outgoing personality. She was deeply loved by her family and friends,” Rabbett said.
Authorities said evidence was collected at the crime scene in 2006, but have declined to disclose specifics, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. They have not said whether DNA or forensic evidence could be re-examined with updated technology.
At Wednesday’s press event, Emmery’s younger sister, Crystal Munoz, now an adult, delivered an emotional statement, describing the lasting impact of her sister’s death on their family.
“For those who did not know Emmery personally, she was truly the light of our lives,” Crystal said. “She could light up any room that she walked into with her smile and the most contagious laugh we could remember. She was very brilliant and ambitious, with dreams of becoming a nurse. She was full of life until someone decided they had the right to take it away.”
Crystal recalled being only six years old at the time of Emmery’s death and not fully understanding the magnitude of the loss until years later. Holding up a pair of her sister’s old pajamas—still labeled size 14–16—she said, “It was then that I realized my sister was only a child when she was robbed of the opportunity to grow up and live her life.”
“She was robbed of a quinceañera, a prom, a graduation, the career she so passionately dreamed of, and so much more. Aside from being someone’s daughter, sister, granddaughter—she was a human being who deserved an opportunity to experience life with the rest of us.”
Crystal concluded with a direct appeal to the public and to any individuals who may have information but remain silent. “Nearly two decades later, I stand before you now asking for empathy from the community, asking for empathy from the party involved to please come forward with any information. Time does not discredit the justice she is entitled to.”
The family’s call for justice comes amid broader public awareness about long-unsolved homicides involving young women, many of which remain unresolved due to gaps in forensic evidence, witness reluctance, or lack of investigative resources at the time.
The LAPD has urged anyone with information to contact Detectives Torres, Meneses, or Sharman at (213) 486-8700. Calls can also be made to the department’s non-emergency line at 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
The case remains open and under active review.
