Two capital murder suspects, Johan Jose Martinez Rangel and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, both Venezuelan nationals, have been charged in the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston, Texas. It has been revealed that both suspects were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol in the past few months but were subsequently released. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the men were in the U.S. illegally, although it is unclear when and where they entered the country.
Martinez was apprehended near El Paso on March 14, and he was released on the same day with a notice to appear. Pena was arrested on May 28, also near El Paso, and a judge ordered him to appear in court later that day. Both men have waived their probable cause court appearance and have ICE holds set at no bond.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office requested bonds of $1 million each for the suspects, but they did not request no bond. Prosecutors explained that they were not prepared to present evidence and reveal their strategy at the moment, as an “11B” hearing would be required. They noted that under state law, the capital murder of a child between 10 and 15 years old is not a death penalty case. However, if evidence shows a sexual assault took place, the death penalty would be in play, and the suspects would be eligible for no bond without a hearing.
During a hearing on Friday, a decision on bond was deferred to the district judge. Both suspects are scheduled to appear before Judge Josh Hill in the 232nd District Court on Monday.
According to court documents, Martinez and Pena allegedly lured Jocelyn under a bridge where they kept her for over two hours, removed her pants, tied her up, and killed her before disposing of her body in a creek. Surveillance video and other evidence helped the Houston Police Department (HPD) identify the suspects. The video showed the two men starting their evening at a restaurant together and later meeting with Jocelyn on Kuykendahl Road.
ABC13 obtained surveillance images that appear to show Jocelyn’s last moments alive before her body was found. The images depict the suspects walking with Jocelyn and ultimately leading her to the bridge where she was strangled. Afterward, Martinez and Pena returned to their residence, leaving Jocelyn behind.
The arrests of the suspects took place at the Canfield Lakes Apartment complex, where they were detained and taken in for questioning. Further evidence related to the crime was found at the apartment, but details have not been released by the police.
Jocelyn’s body was discovered near her home after she allegedly snuck out around 10 p.m. on Sunday. Surveillance images played a crucial role in leading the police to the suspects, as both men were seen walking with Jocelyn in the area where she was later found dead.
Mayor John Whitmire expressed his confidence in the justice system and emphasized the importance of holding the suspects accountable for their actions. He called for careful consideration of flight risk and the severity of the crime when determining bail.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Jocelyn’s death to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston.
In conclusion, the arrest and subsequent release of the two capital murder suspects charged in Jocelyn Nungaray’s death have sparked concerns about immigration policies and public safety. The case highlights the need for a thorough examination of individuals entering the country illegally and the potential risks they may pose. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current bail policies in cases involving heinous crimes against children. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for law enforcement to gather all relevant evidence to ensure a fair trial and bring justice to Jocelyn and her grieving family.
