Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old minor who was found dead this month in a stream in Texas, was murdered by two undocumented migrants from Venezuela, authorities allege.
Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, were arrested and charged with the crime. On June 17, Houston Police Department personnel found the remains of the strangled girl in a swampy area near 400 West Rankin Road in the north part of the city.
What security camera images reveal
Security camera footage from the area shows the foreigners together in a restaurant on the evening of June 16. The migrants lived in the same apartment.
The duo left the establishment on foot, and later met Jocelyn and talked with her. Next, and according to the security material, the three walked towards a convenience store.
A few minutes later, they moved to a bridge. It was there that the alleged killers killed the teenager and threw her body into the shallow stream.
Jocelyn died by strangulation
Harris County coroners have determined that the girl was strangled to death, according to reports from media outlets such as the Associated Press.
The KHOU 11 report that refers to the evidence handled by investigators in the case indicates that Jocelyn left her apartment after midnight. Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, believed the teenager was sleeping.
Her 13-year-old boyfriend told authorities that Jocelyn called him in the early morning from the convenience store. The boy said he heard two men talking in the background.
Suspects asked Jocelyn for an address
The suspects’ initial contact with Jocelyn was allegedly to ask for directions before the three arrived at the establishment.
The duo then convinced the victim to go with them in the direction of the bridge. The alleged attackers remained in the area for a couple of hours. The defendants tied up Jocelyn, pulled down her pants, strangled her and threw her into the stream.
Defendants face capital murder charges
Both defendants face capital murder charges. Both remain in custody after being set on $10 million bail each.
At a hearing this week, prosecutors alleged that officers found evidence on Martínez Rangel’s cell phone that shows the Venezuelan was trying to flee the United States when police were on his trail.
Suspects illegally entered the U.S. through El Paso, Texas
Both Martínez Rangel and Peña Ramos entered the United States illegally between March and May, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) said in written statements.
The specific date they crossed the border is unclear.
However, the arrests were made in El Paso, Texas.
Martínez Rangel’s was on March 14 and Peña Ramos’ on May 28.
The two were arrested by Border Patrol personnel but later released with orders to appear at a later court hearing.
As both are in the custody of federal immigration authorities, they could remain locked up even if they can pay the bonds imposed.
Who was Jocelyn Nungaray?
The young woman’s family described her as loyal, compassionate and a caring friend who helped others. Her kindness and “zest for life” are part of what her family wants people to remember her for, according to an obituary cited by CNN.
Gabby, Jocelyn’s sister, remembered how they both laughed together, played, cried and got on each other’s nerves.
“Jossy also gave me the strength to be myself and speak up for myself and I will always be grateful to her for that. I love you, Jossy,” Gabby shared.
Jocelyn enjoyed fantasy and science fiction movies and series such as Harry Potter, “Twilight” and “Stranger Things.”
Alexis’ mother gave birth to her at the age of 15. Aside from her mother and sister, Jocelyn is survived by a brother, grandparents and other relatives. The report makes no mention of the girl’s father.
Keep reading:
Jocelyn Nungaray’s mother called Hispanic migrants who murdered her daughter “monsters”
Undocumented immigrant accused of killing 12-year-old girl in Texas gets $10 million bail