Houston, Texas — The Houston community continues to mourn the tragic death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose life was cut short under horrifying circumstances. Her family prepares to say their final goodbye this Thursday, with a funeral service scheduled at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery and a subsequent celebration of life at Gallery Furniture. Both events are open to public attendance.
Last week, the young girl was found deceased in a north Houston creek, sparking widespread sorrow and outrage. The aftermath has seen an outpouring of community support for Jocelyn’s grieving family as they navigate through this devastating period.
Authorities have since arrested and charged Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, with capital murder in connection with Jocelyn’s death. The two Venezuelan nationals are currently held in custody on $10 million bonds each. Further complicating their legal status, both men have been placed under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holds, effectively barring them from possible release even if the bond could be posted.
The incident reportedly began late at night on June 16 when Jocelyn allegedly snuck out of her home. She encountered the suspects, who asked her for directions, eventually luring her to a secluded underpass. There, according to court records, she was held for two hours, tied up, and brutally assaulted before being strangled to death. Her partially clothed body was later discovered by a passerby in a creek early the next morning.
Investigators have gathered surveillance footage showing Jocelyn and the suspects walking near the scene during the early hours of June 17. Tragically, only the two men were seen returning. Subsequent autopsy results confirmed strangulation as the cause of death, with additional signs of physical trauma indicative of a violent struggle.
The probe into Jocelyn’s death revealed chilling details about the suspects’ actions post-murder. Allegedly, Martinez-Rangel attempted to cover up the crime by instructing Pena to dispose of Jocelyn’s body in water to eliminate any forensic evidence. Martinez-Rangel also attempted to alter his appearance and searched online for escape routes from the city, according to prosecutors.
The community’s reaction to this heinous act has been one of heartache and calls for justice. Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, in a heartrending statement, expressed her devastation over the loss of her daughter who had “such a bright future” ahead of her.
Given Jocelyn’s age, the suspects are not eligible for the death penalty under Texas law. However, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg noted that if subsequent investigations confirm sexual assault, the charges could escalate, making the case eligible for the death penalty and potentially leading to a request for denial of bond.
As the legal proceedings advance, law enforcement continues to gather and analyze evidence, while the community stands united in grief and solidarity with Jocelyn’s family. They hope for justice to be swiftly and thoroughly served in a case that has deeply affected the city of Houston.