Houston, Texas – In a tragic and heartbreaking case, a Venezuelan man residing in the U.S. illegally has been accused of the murder of a 12-year-old girl from Houston. 22-year-old Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, along with another man, 26-year-old Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, is facing charges of capital murder in the death of Jocelyn Nungaray. During a court hearing, Martinez-Rangel was ordered to be held on a $10 million bond by State District Judge Josh Hill, who cited evidence found on his cellphone suggesting that he was attempting to flee the country after the young girl’s death.
According to prosecutors, Nungaray’s body was discovered in a shallow creek on June 17th, a day after she vanished from her home. The medical examiner determined that she had been strangled to death. Prosecutors allege that the two suspects not only killed her but also violated her before dumping her body in the bayou. The tragic incident unfolded after Nungaray reportedly sneaked out of her home to visit a nearby convenience store.
Both Martinez-Rangel and Peña are Venezuelan nationals who illegally entered the U.S. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Martinez-Rangel was arrested near El Paso by Border Patrol agents in March, while Peña was apprehended in May. Although the exact details of their border crossings remain unknown, both men were released with notices to appear in court at a later date. Presently, they are under immigration holds by federal authorities, ensuring that they remain in custody even if they manage to post bond.
The upcoming funeral for Nungaray is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Houston. This tragic case has shed light on the complex issues surrounding immigration and has sparked conversations about the need for better border security and protection for vulnerable individuals in society. As the investigation continues and the justice system takes its course, the community mourns the loss of a young life and stands united in seeking justice for Jocelyn Nungaray.