1. 12-year-old girl found in Houston creek
2. Missing girl sexually assaulted in Houston creek.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
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In a tragic turn of events, the Houston Forensic Science Center confirmed on Monday that Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a creek in north Houston in June, was sexually assaulted before her death. This revelation has added another layer of horror to the already heartbreaking case.
Suspects Charged with Capital Murder
Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have been charged with capital murder in connection with Nungaray’s death. The young girl was reportedly strangled, adding to the brutality of the crime.
Both suspects are currently in custody, with bail set at $10 million each. Despite the severity of the charges, due to Nungaray’s age, they are not eligible for the death penalty under Texas law.
Case Becomes Death Penalty Eligible
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg revealed last week that if sexual assault was confirmed in the case, it would become death penalty eligible. This development could potentially lead to the prosecution seeking no bond for the suspects.
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Details of the Tragic Night
Investigators believe that Nungaray sneaked out of her home around 10 p.m. on June 16. Court documents suggest that the two suspects encountered her and lured her underneath a bridge, where she was held captive for two hours, sexually assaulted, and ultimately strangled.
Her lifeless body was later discovered in a creek by a bystander early the next morning. The suspects were captured on video walking with Nungaray before only the two men emerged later, indicating their involvement in the heinous crime.
Arrest and Confessions
Following days of investigation, authorities arrested Martinez and Pena. During questioning, Pena allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, stating that they were looking for money to leave town after doing something bad.
Pena claimed that he tried to intervene, but Martinez proceeded to strangle Nungaray. Martinez then allegedly disposed of the body in the water to remove any evidence, showing a callous disregard for the young girl’s life.
Immigration Status
It has been revealed that both suspects, Venezuelan nationals, were in the U.S. illegally. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that they were under ICE holds, preventing them from leaving even if they were able to post bail.
The agency disclosed that Martinez and Pena had been apprehended near El Paso on separate occasions, with Martinez being released the same day and Pena ordered to appear in court later.
Justice for Jocelyn Nungaray
The brutal assault and murder of Jocelyn Nungaray have shocked the community and raised questions about the safety of young girls. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope for justice for Nungaray’s family remains at the forefront.
The tragic loss of a young life like Nungaray’s serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes.
The investigation into this case is ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that Nungaray’s memory is honoured with a fair and just legal process.
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– 12-year-old girl found in Houston creek
– Missing girl found sexually assaulted in Houston creek.
