Houston Police Make Arrest In 2011 Cold Case

HOUSTON, TX — Houston police close the case on a 2011 cold case murder with the arrest of a 31-year old man.

Richard Joseph Reyes is charged with capital murder in the death of 31-year old Natalie Ochoa on Dec. 16, 2011.

Ochoa's body was discovered in the street in the 4100 block of River Boat Drive at about 7:20 a.m.

Investigators said Ochoa had been beaten and strangled, and an autopsy later revealed she'd been sexually assaulted.

DNA evidence was collected during the autopsy, and a male suspect profile was developed.

However, despite investigation of numerous known associates, no DNA matches were found in the crime database.

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, Reyes was arrested without incident and charged with capital murder in Ochoa's death.

He is being held in the Harris County ail withouth bail.

Image: HPD

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