The two suspects charged with the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston are accused of luring her under a bridge, tying her up, and killing her, according to court documents obtained by Fox News. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, are facing capital murder charges, and prosecutors are requesting bail to be set at $1 million. The suspects, who are illegal immigrants from Venezuela, had entered the U.S. illegally and were released from custody, confirmed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Martinez was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, on March 14 and released the same day, while Pena was apprehended on May 28 and also released on the same day. Surveillance video was used by investigators to track the movements of the suspects before and after the murder. Houston Mayor John Whitmire revealed that Nungaray had snuck out of her family’s apartment to talk to her boyfriend, who overheard her speaking with two individuals.
The suspects were seen meeting Nungaray at a restaurant before walking to a convenience store and then to a bridge where the murder took place. Martinez and Pena then returned to their shared apartment, leaving Nungaray’s body behind. It is believed that the two suspects lived in the same apartment complex as the victim.
The tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray has shed light on the issue of illegal immigration and the consequences of individuals entering the country unlawfully. The case has sparked outrage and calls for stricter border control measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The community is mourning the loss of a young life and seeking justice for the senseless act committed by the suspects.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather more evidence and information to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially children, in our communities. It is a tragedy that has left many questioning how such a horrific crime could have been committed and what can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.