Caretaker Arrested in Homicide of Disabled 16-Year-Old Girl in Independence Heights

Houston police have arrested Tracy Gonzales, 48, in connection with the death of Nayeli Perez, 16, found deceased at a residence on 704 East 32nd Street in Independence Heights on March 25, 2024.

Gonzales, who served as Perez’s caretaker, is charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury in the 488th State District Court.

Houston police responded to the scene at approximately 7:45 p.m. and discovered Perez unresponsive in her bedroom. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced her deceased at the scene. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences later ruled her death a homicide.

Following an investigation, Gonzales was arrested on December 30, 2024, and charged for her role in the death of Perez.