Houston, Texas — Two men have been detained by police in Houston in the troubling case of a 12-year-old girl found strangled earlier this week in a local creek, authorities said Thursday. The victim, identified as Jocelyn Nungaray, had apparently left her home late Sunday night without her family’s knowledge.
The arrests of Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, followed the discovery of surveillance footage showing them with Jocelyn on the night she disappeared. Both men, who are roommates, face serious accusations, including capital murder, in relation to her death.
Investigators are still awaiting further forensic results to determine if the young girl was sexually assaulted before her death. They have, however, confirmed that the cause of death was strangulation.
The unfolding investigation revealed chilling details about Jocelyn’s last known movements. She was last captured by CCTV cameras entering a convenience store with Martinez and Pena Ramos. Property near a bridge where authorities believe Jocelyn was killed is also under intense scrutiny.
In a press briefing, Houston Mayor John Whitmire shared that before her untimely death, Jocelyn had communicated with her 13-year-old boyfriend. “It appears she had a conversation at a convenience store with two adults near midnight,” Mayor Whitmire noted, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
The case has drawn considerable community attention and grief. In an emotional statement, Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, expressed her devastation. “She was only 12. You took my baby away,” she said, her words resonating with the pain of an unimaginable loss. She also recalled always advising her daughter about the potential dangers of the outside world, her voice laden with regret and mourning.
Alexis added fervently, “Jocelyn was a fighter. She fought hard. She needs justice. She didn’t deserve this, and she needs to be rested at peace.”
Following the tragedy, the Nungaray family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral expenses, turning to the community for solidarity and help in these trying times.
As the investigation proceeds, the community remains united in grief and a strong desire for justice, while law enforcement continues piecing together the events that led to the tragic loss of such a young life.