POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in 2011 Cold Case Murder
Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the murder of a woman found at 4100 River Drive about 7:20 a.m. on December 16, 2011.
The suspect, Joseph Richard Reyes (H/m, 31), is charged with capital murder in the 183rd State District Court. A booking photo of Reyes is attached to this news release.
He is accused in the death of Natalie Ochoa, 31, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. Burrow and R. Rodriguez reported:
On the morning of December 16, 2011, Ms. Ochoa was found deceased in the street at the above address. She had been beaten, strangled and an autopsy indicated she had been sexually assaulted. DNA was collected from her body and a male suspect profile was developed. However, despite investigation of numerous known associates, no DNA matches were found.
In 2018, Reyes was convicted of an unrelated sexual offense and was required to provide DNA as a condition of his probation and registration. His DNA was subsequently matched to the unidentified male profile, and other evidence was developed indicating his involvement in Ochoa's death. On Tuesday (May 7), Reyes was arrested without incident and charged for his role in the death of Ms. Ochoa.
The suspect, Joseph Richard Reyes (H/m, 31), is charged with capital murder in the 183rd State District Court. A booking photo of Reyes is attached to this news release.
He is accused in the death of Natalie Ochoa, 31, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. Burrow and R. Rodriguez reported:
On the morning of December 16, 2011, Ms. Ochoa was found deceased in the street at the above address. She had been beaten, strangled and an autopsy indicated she had been sexually assaulted. DNA was collected from her body and a male suspect profile was developed. However, despite investigation of numerous known associates, no DNA matches were found.
In 2018, Reyes was convicted of an unrelated sexual offense and was required to provide DNA as a condition of his probation and registration. His DNA was subsequently matched to the unidentified male profile, and other evidence was developed indicating his involvement in Ochoa's death. On Tuesday (May 7), Reyes was arrested without incident and charged for his role in the death of Ms. Ochoa.
Joseph Richard Reyes
JKS/JFC 5-8-18
Inc. #161596011
