Two Venezuelan men have been charged with capital murder for the gruesome strangulation of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose body was found in a Houston creek on June 17, 2024.

Johan Jose Rangel Martinez and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, both illegal immigrants from Venezuela, allegedly lured the child under a bridge, tied her up, and strangled her, according to Houston police. Surveillance footage played a critical role in tracking their movements and leading to their arrests. The suspects, previously apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and released with notices to appear, now face severe charges amid ongoing investigations into whether Jocelyn was sexually assaulted. The crime has intensified debates over immigration enforcement and public safety.

Authorities were able to piece together the events leading up to Jocelyn Nungaray's death through a combination of surveillance footage and witness testimonies. The footage shows Jocelyn, Martinez, and Ramos heading towards a convenience store before ultimately walking to the bridge where the tragic events unfolded.

The crime scene under the bridge, now cordoned off by police tape, revealed signs of a struggle. Investigators have meticulously gathered evidence, including the ropes used to tie up Jocelyn. As the investigation continues, there are also efforts to determine whether she was sexually assaulted. These findings will be critical in establishing the full extent of the crime and the motives behind it.

In a disturbing development, it was revealed that Franklin Jose Pena Ramos removed his ankle monitor after the murder. Ramos' decision to cut off the device posed a significant challenge to law enforcement, complicating efforts to track his whereabouts post-crime. This act has triggered discussions about the effectiveness and reliability of ankle monitoring systems for detainees.

Houston police, aided by local residents, eventually apprehended both Martinez and Ramos. A dramatic moment during the arrests occurred when one of the suspects tried to evade capture by jumping off a balcony. Despite these attempts, strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies ensured that both suspects were safely detained.

Questions surrounding the suspects’ immigration status have emerged in the wake of Jocelyn’s death. Martinez and Ramos, both identified as illegal immigrants from Venezuela, had been taken into custody earlier this year by U.S. Border Patrol. They were released with notices to appear, a common practice due to backlogs in immigration courts. This incident has reignited conversations about the policies surrounding border security and the handling of detainees awaiting immigration hearings.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed immigration violation holds on both suspects. These holds ensure that upon the resolution of their criminal cases, the men will face potential deportation proceedings. As the legal processes unfold, the involvement of multiple agencies highlights the complex intersection of criminal and immigration law enforcement.

The discovery of Jocelyn Nungaray’s body was a traumatic event for the local community. A Houston resident, initially mistaking her body for a mannequin, made the grim discovery. The resident’s quick notification to law enforcement set in motion the investigative processes that soon led to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

The tragic murder has left a deep impact on Jocelyn's family and the wider community. Support services are being provided to help those affected cope with the emotional repercussions of such a heinous crime. Community leaders and organizations have come together to offer support and ensure that Jocelyn’s memory is honored.

As the case progresses, the focus remains on delivering justice for Jocelyn Nungaray. Efforts continue to clarify all circumstances surrounding her death, ensure a thorough examination of all evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable. Houston police have called on anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in their ongoing investigation.