Houston, Texas — Two Venezuelan nationals, Johan Jose Martinez Ranged, 22 and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have been charged with the capital murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose tragic death has captured the city’s attention. The suspects, previously apprehended and released by U.S. Border Patrol months earlier, are now held in Harris County Jail.
The young girl’s life was cut short in an appalling crime when her body was found in a Greenspoint creek last Monday. Authorities revealed that Nungaray was strangled, prompting a vigorous investigation that utilized surveillance footage and other evidence to track down Martinez and Pena.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Martinez was first detained near El Paso on March 14 and was subsequently released under an order of recognizance with a notice to appear in court. Similarly, Pena was arrested on May 28 near El Paso and was also released the same day with instructions to appear in court at a later date. ICE has indicated that both men were in the U.S. illegally, having entered the country at an unknown time and location.
The breakthrough in the case came after surveillance video reviewed by the Houston Police Department showed the suspects interacting with Nungaray. Starting their evening at a local restaurant, Martinez and Pena were later captured on camera walking with Nungaray towards a convenience store and ultimately to a bridge where the murder presumably took place.
This case has resonated deeply within the community, prompting Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Acting HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite to reassure the public that justice will be pursued vigorously. “The rest have taken place, and the charges have been filed. Now, we want the justice system to do its job,” Mayor Whitman stated emphatically, underlining the need for careful monitoring of the judicial process given the gravity of the crime.
The local community has been instrumental in the investigation, with residents like Brenis Lopez, who resides in the suspects’ apartment complex, providing valuable leads. Furthermore, the discovery of Jocelyn’s body was initially reported by Billie Jackson, a local resident who noticed the body in the creek and immediately contacted emergency services.
Crucially, Houston Police remain soliciting additional information from the public. Anyone who might have seen something related to the crime or who knows something that could help the ongoing investigation is encouraged to come forward. This plea for citizen involvement demonstrates the vital role public cooperation plays in solving such heinous crimes.
As this appalling case continues to unfold, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Jocelyn Nungaray, remembered by her family as a kind and loving girl. Meanwhile, law enforcement and city officials maintain their resolve to see the judicial process through, ensuring that those responsible for this brutal act are held fully accountable.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the girl’s death to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477), as every piece of information could be crucial in securing a conviction in this heartbreaking case.