Two men have been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose body was discovered in a creek in Houston after she disappeared during a walk to a convenience store.
Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, were arrested Thursday after surveillance footage showed them accompanying Jocelyn to a Houston convenience store. As per to the source abcnews
The three were seen walking to a bridge, where police believe the men killed Jocelyn.
The Harris County medical examiner determined that Jocelyn died from strangulation. Prosecutors allege that the suspects lured her under the bridge, tied her up, and killed her before discarding her body in the bayou.
The results of a sexual assault exam are pending.
Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite praised investigators for their relentless pursuit of justice. “They scoured every potential video feed and talked to everyone who might have seen or heard something,” he said.
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Martinez and Ramos, Venezuelan nationals, entered the U.S. illegally in March and were released with orders to appear in court. Their journey to Houston remains unclear.
Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, expressed her grief and anger, saying, “My baby didn’t deserve this at all.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire described the case as heartbreaking, highlighting the community’s shock and sorrow. Jocelyn’s mother called for justice, demanding that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.