HOUSTon – Two individuals were apprehended Thursday following the discovery of a 12-year-old girl’s body in a local creek, prompting a major investigation by Houston police. The suspects, identified as Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, face charges of capital murder in connection with the death of Jocelyn Nungaray, who was found earlier this week.
According to authorities, surveillance footage captured the men with Nungaray shortly before her death. The footage last showed the trio walking toward a bridge where the young girl’s life was tragically ended. The Harris County Medical Examiner confirmed strangulation as the cause of death.
The incident has shocked the community, particularly as details emerged about the suspects’ proximity to the crime scene at the time of their arrest. Located just half a mile from where Nungaray’s body was discovered, the arrest has intensified discussions on public safety and crime prevention in the area.
During a news conference, Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire expressed his condolences and outrage, suggesting that the suspects should be denied bond given the grave nature of their alleged crimes. This statement underlines the severity with which the city’s administration is treating the case.
It remains unclear whether Martinez and Pena Ramos, who are described as roommates, had legal representation at the time of their arrest. Their involvement with the young girl prior to her tragic demise is still under investigation, with police working to determine the nature of their relationship with her.
Disturbingly, police disclosed that they are awaiting the results of a sexual assault examination, which could potentially add another layer of complexity to the case. As the community reels from this tragedy, local officials have urged anyone with more information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Houston Police Department has been actively engaging with the public, sharing surveillance photos and requesting assistance to piece together the events that led to Nungaray’s untimely death. Their efforts underscore the urgency and importance of community cooperation in solving such distressing cases.
The city mourns the loss of a young life cut short, and as the legal proceedings unfold, many are calling for justice for Jocelyn Nungaray. The case continues to attract significant attention, serving as a somber reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of the community.