Houston, Texas – Two men have been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, whose body was found in a creek in north Houston. Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, are facing capital murder charges. The shocking crime has left the community in mourning and sparked outrage.
The investigation began on Monday morning when the body of Jocelyn Nungaray was discovered in a shallow creek near 400 West Rankin Road. An autopsy later revealed that she had been strangled. Houston Mayor John Whitmire described the incident as one of the most disturbing cases he had encountered.
Detectives discovered through interviews and surveillance videos that Jocelyn had left her apartment late Sunday night to meet her 13-year-old boyfriend. They went to a restaurant and encountered Ramos and Martinez. The group was later captured on surveillance footage walking to a convenience store. Police believe they then went to a bridge on Rankin Road where Jocelyn was killed.
After releasing surveillance images to the public, investigators were able to identify Ramos and Martinez. SWAT teams arrested them at their apartment on Thursday morning. The motive for the crime has not been released, and detectives are still in the process of interviewing the suspects.
Jocelyn’s devastated family is struggling to come to terms with their loss. Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, tearfully expressed her anger at those responsible for taking her young daughter’s life. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started by a family friend to help cover the funeral costs and other expenses.
The community is reeling from the loss of a “beautiful, beautiful young lady” whose future was full of promise. Mayor Whitmire expressed his condolences during a press conference, highlighting the pain and anguish that this crime has caused.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and build their case against Ramos and Martinez. The tragic death of Jocelyn has left a lasting impact on the community, who is now demanding justice for her.