- Jocelyn Nungaray is a 12-year-old Texas girl.
- She was found dead by strangulation in a creek near her home.
- She was reportedly found by police near the North Freeway.
She left their apartment complex that night and was later seen at a local convenience store, where she reportedly encountered two men. Her 13-year-old boyfriend, who spoke with her that evening, mentioned hearing her conversing with adults at the store, according to Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
Authorities confirmed Jocelyn was a homicide victim but have not disclosed further details about her death.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, both residents of the same area. During a press briefing, Houston police Lt. Stephen Hope confirmed that Martinez and Ramos have been charged with capital murder.
Surveillance footage showed the suspects with Jocelyn near a local restaurant and a convenience store before they were seen heading southbound. The suspects were later observed leaving the area where the crime likely occurred.
Ramos had previously been outfitted with a GPS ankle monitor by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after entering the US in May, but had removed it by the time of his arrest. Martinez had also encountered border agents in March and was released thereafter.
Jocelyn’s family is grieving deeply and seeking justice. Her grandmother expressed the family’s plea for community support, describing Jocelyn as a loving and gentle soul. Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, also expressed profound sorrow, remembering her daughter as a loving, playful, and ambitious girl.
The tragic incident has fueled a political debate on immigration, with former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s campaign exchanging blame over border policies.
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