On the morning of June 17, 2024, a Houston resident made a heart-wrenching discovery: the body of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was found in a bayou.
The case quickly intensified as Houston police, with the help of surveillance footage and community tips, arrested two roommates, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Peña, and charged them with capital murder.
The Tragic Events Leading to Jocelyn Nungaray's Death
On the evening of June 17, Jocelyn Nungaray snuck out of her family’s apartment, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that would lead to her untimely death.
According to Houston police, Jocelyn met Martinez-Rangel and Peña as they were leaving a restaurant.
The two men asked Jocelyn for directions, and the three walked to a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store.
Lieutenant Stephen Hope of the Houston police detailed the horrific sequence of events that followed.
After leaving the 7-Eleven, the trio walked to a bridge and it was there that Jocelyn’s life was brutally ended.
Prosecutors revealed that Peña and Martinez-Rangel bound Jocelyn’s hands and assaulted her before strangling her to death.
They then left her body at the bridge and returned to their apartment as if nothing happened.
The discovery of Jocelyn’s body prompted an immediate investigation.
Surveillance photos from the 7-Eleven played a crucial role in identifying the suspects.
 |
| The two suspects |
 |
| One of the suspects and Jocelyn |
Acting Houston police chief Larry J. Satterwhite highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that tips from the public were instrumental in tracing the movements of the suspects and Jocelyn.
Arrest and Charges
On June 20, Houston police arrested Martinez-Rangel and Peña at their apartment.
Both men were charged with capital murder, and a Harris County judge set their bonds at $10 million each.
During the bail hearings, Assistant District Attorney Megan Long disclosed disturbing details, including Peña’s attempt to blame Martinez-Rangel for the murder and Martinez-Rangel’s efforts to avoid detection by altering his appearance.
During the bond hearings, it was revealed that Peña and Martinez-Rangel are both Venezuelan natives.
Prosecutors stated that Martinez-Rangel, who had no prior criminal history, is the father of two young children.
Despite his initial attempts to evade justice, the evidence against both men, including surveillance footage and phone records, was compelling.
The murder of Jocelyn Nungaray has left everyone in shock and mourning.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed his firm stance against granting bail to the suspects, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, voiced her devastation and demand for justice, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on her family.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains steadfast in its call for justice.
Our thoughts remain with Jocelyn’s family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Comments
Post a Comment