Information wanted in 2006 murder of Emmery Munoz in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - Authorities are asking for the public's help for information in the 2006 unsolved murder of 14-year-old Emmery Munoz.

What we know:

Munoz, a resident of East Los Angeles and student at Bravo Medical Magnet School, was last seen in the City Terrace neighborhood on Jan. 20, 2006. 

Her body was discovered five days later at a loading dock at an abandoned warehouse in the 1300 block of Mirasol Street in southern Boyle Heights.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that her cause of death was due to strangulation and the manner of death was a homicide.

Authorities said they believe this was a random attack. 

Interviews were conducted with Munoz's close friends and classmates, and through the years, investigators have gone back and spoken to those people, authorities said.

What we don't know:

Detectives have been unable to obtain any substantial leads in the cold case.

According to the LAPD, the motive for Munoz's homicide remains unclear and there are currently no suspects in the case.

Evidence was collected during the initial investigation, authorities said, but further details on that evidence were not disclosed. 

What they're saying:

"She had a bright and really just outgoing personality. She was deeply loved by her family and friends," Lieutenant Ryan Rabbett said during a press conference Wednesday, which would have been Munoz's 34th birthday.

"Interviews have provided some information, but we have reason to believe that there are individuals and people out there who could provide additional details that would further assist in our investigation," he added.

"We truly do believe that there's somebody who knows vital information that could help bring closure and some sense of justice to the family and loved ones of Emmery."

Munoz's younger sister, Crystal, spoke at the press conference and thanked everyone in attendance for their support.

"For those who did not know Emmery personally, she was truly the light of our lives. She could light up any room that she walked in with her smile and most contagious laugh we could remember. She was truly the definition of ‘never a dull moment.’ 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," she said.

Emmery Munoz

"Being only 6-years old at the time of her murder, I couldn't fully grasp the gravity of the loss. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that our mother showed me my sister's favorite pair of pajamas when she was still with us… they were pajamas, size 14-16. 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 just so passionately dreamed of, and so much more. Aside from being someone's daughter, sister, granddaughter, she was a human being, a human being who deserved an opportunity to experience life with the rest of us."

"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 you may have, even if it's anonymous. I can assure you that our family still has a strong desire for closure today, as we did when she was first taken from us. Time does not discredit the justice that she is entitled to. My sister deserves to rest peacefully and we will not rest until she does. Happy birthday Emmery. We love you and we miss you."

What you can do:

Anyone with information regarding the crime was urged to contact LAPD Detectives Torres, Meneses or Sharman at 213-486-8700 or contact 877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800- 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.