Latest news with #FOX26Houston
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Illegal immigrant suspect in Jocelyn Nungaray's murder now accused of prior sexual assault in Costa Rica
One of two suspects charged in Jocelyn Nungaray's murder is now accused of raping an American woman in Costa Rica, according to former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Two Venezuelan illegal immigrants who may have ties to the Tren de Aragua gang — Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21 — are charged in the 12-year-old's June 2024 murder. They allegedly sexually assaulted and strangled the pre-teen to death, leaving her body tied up in a bayou in Houston. Ogg told FOX 26 Houston last week that she learned over the course of her investigation as DA, before her successor Sean Teare took office last year, that Pena Ramos had been involved in a prior sexual assault in Costa Rica involving an American woman who was apparently on vacation at the time. "It happened in Costa Rica. It happened to an American citizen who came forward with that information after their pictures were shown on national television," Ogg told the outlet. "When she reported it to the authorities in Costa Rica, they did nothing. Imagine the frustration of that individual. I don't want that to be swept under the carpet." Mom Of Girl Allegedly Killed By Illegals Says Wildlife Refuge Renaming 'Means The World' To Family The victim is not from Texas but felt compelled to come forward when Nungaray's murder made national headlines and she saw the suspects' photos on the news. Read On The Fox News App "The courage of any crime victim to come forward like that is remarkable to me and that played a major role in determining whether the death penalty is appropriate," Ogg told FOX 26. Texas Wildlife Refuge Renamed For Murdered 12-Year-old, Jocelyn Nungaray, Unveils Signage: 'Her Life Mattered' Ogg, who was seeking the death penalty for both suspects while in office, added that "authorities had no idea of their past behavior," such as charges in other countries, which "makes it hard to determine if someone is going to be a future danger." The former district attorney said she came forward with the information to FOX 26 now because she is "very concerned about the decisions" that Teare "has been making," referencing multiple cases that have been dismissed recently. "I think it's important for the public to get the final say," Ogg added. "Do they deserve death for the rape and murder of Jocelyn? Or should they spend their life in the penitentiary? What I don't want is some backdoor deal done in the quiet of the night and a long time after people have forgotten the horror of this case. I just want people to remember Jocelyn, and I want them to hear and make a decision about the evidence." Illegal Immigrant Admitted To Killing Woman On Her 21St Birthday Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn's mother, has since become an advocate for victims of crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants. In a May interview, Alexis Nungaray described the 12-year-old as "a very creative, talented, free-spirited 12-year-old girl." Nungaray said Jocelyn "was very quirky" and "an old soul." She liked dressing in 1990s-style cargo jeans and Converse and loved listening to music from as far back as the 1940s and 1950s. Texas Da Seeking Death Penalty In Jocelyn Nungaray Case Warns Migrant Criminals: 'You Cannot Run And Hide' "She was very different and unique. She was an amazing friend," Nungaray said. Nungaray also said she is grateful to President Donald Trump for both his support and for "keeping his promises" regarding immigration enforcement. Da To Seek Death Penalty Against Illegal Immigrants Accused In Nungaray Murder Case "I support immigration, but I say there's just a right way and a wrong way to do it," she explained. "He's protecting the people, and he's taking consideration to the people, us the citizens and making sure we're safe and our kids are safe, women are safe, that we're all safe in our communities." "We've still got a long way to go," she went on. "But I will always advocate for her and be her voice and stand up for better border control and immigration laws. Because I know 1 million percent, Jocelyn's death should have been preventable." WATCH: JOCELYN NUNGARAY'S MOTHER TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS Pena Ramos illegally crossed into El Paso, Texas, in May 2024, sources with the Department of Homeland Security previously confirmed to Fox News. He was caught by Border Patrol agents and was released into the U.S. with a Notice to Appear in court. Rangel Martinez also crossed illegally into El Paso in March and was caught by Border Patrol. He was released into the U.S. on an unknown basis. Jocelyn had been at a convenience store and was talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone after sneaking out of her family's apartment. The boyfriend told investigators that he could hear Nungaray talking with two people. Fox News' Peter Pinedo contributed to this article source: Illegal immigrant suspect in Jocelyn Nungaray's murder now accused of prior sexual assault in Costa Rica
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Chevron Championship again threatened by wet conditions as play starts on Thursday
Chevron Championship again threatened by wet conditions as play starts on Thursday THE WOODLANDS, Texas — This week marks the fourth playing of the Chevron Championship, the successor to the ANA Championship, and third since moving from Rancho Mirage, California, to the Houston area. And while a number of traditions have carried over from the previous site — like winners jumping into the pond off the 18th green — the move to Texas has brought one change that nobody had hoped for: nasty weather. Much like the previous two playings of the event, this year's first LPGA major of the year will have a focus on storms, something that was typically not an issue when the event was held in the Coachella Valley. On Wednesday, players were whisked off the golf course at 9:45 a.m. local time after a strong band of storms came through and drenched The Club at Carlton Woods. Large pockets of water were pooling, especially along the 18th hole. There is a little good news, however, as the forecast eased up throughout the day on Wednesday. Originally, it looked like Friday would bring another healthy deluge, but as the day progressed, the chance for storms came down into the 30-percent range. Possible storms may continue throughout the rest of the day on Wednesday with spotty rain on Thursday. — FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) April 23, 2025 With an already-wet golf course, here's hoping the rain stays away, giving Nelly Korda the chance to work on a title defense in optimal conditions.
Fox News
14-04-2025
- Fox News
Kyren Lacy's father breaks silence on son's death
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The father of former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy broke his silence on his son's death on Sunday as authorities revealed details about what transpired before he died by suicide. Kenny Lacy wrote a message to parents on his Facebook hours after it was revealed his son had died in the Houston area. "Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you," he wrote on the social media platform. "Don't be cool with 'I'm Alright, or I'm good' when you know deep down something isn't right. Mental Health is real, and for the most part, it's invisible, don't ignore the signs, even if they may seem small. "Our lives have changed forever and this will never be ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here. This has to be the biggest pill our families have had to swallow but I know the love and compassion in our families will get us through. This will never get easier, but we'll learn to live with it." He implored his followers to check on their kids' mental health. It was a similar message shared across the sports world by several athletes, including LSU alumni. Authorities in Texas released more details around Kyren Lacy's death later Sunday. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said deputies received a call about a man, identified as Lacy, who was arguing with a family member when he shot a gun into the ground, according to FOX 26 Houston. Officials learned Lacy had fled the scene and launched a search after him. Officials said deputies tried to make a traffic stop on Lacy, but he led them on a car chase that went on for miles. Lacy then crashed his vehicle in Spring, according to authorities. Responding deputies removed Lacy from the vehicle to take him into custody, but he was found with a "self-inflicted gunshot wound" and was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said. "Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Units conducted an investigation of the incident," a statement read, via FOX 26 Houston. "Preliminary information indicates Lacy shot himself during the pursuit and prior to the vehicle crashing. A handgun was recovered from the interior of the vehicle. A review of the Pct. 4 units body camera and in car dash mounted video did not indicate any shots were fired after the pursuit ended. "Once the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney's Office Civil Rights Division for review, as is standard for any death which takes place during an attempted arrest." Lacy was 24. The wide receiver, who graduated in December and may have been a selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, was under investigation in Louisiana in connection with a crash in December that left a 78-year-old man dead, officials said in January. He was accused of driving recklessly – speeding and passing in a no-passing zone – when the motorist swerved to avoid Lacy and crashed into another vehicle. He fled the scene of the crash without calling for aid, Louisiana State Police said. An arrest warrant was obtained for Lacy for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. A grand jury was reportedly set to hear evidence in the case on Monday. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Houston power outage tracker: CenterPoint, Entergy maps; report an outage
The Brief Storms swept across the Houston area Friday, knocking out power for some customers. You can check the outage tracker for the latest numbers. HOUSTON - Some residents across the Houston area were left without power Friday after storms swept across the area. Here's how many outages have been reported, how to view the outage map, and how to report an outage at your home. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! By the numbers Here's how many outages have been reported as of 8:00 p.m. Centerpoint Energy is reporting 824 customers affected by outages Entergy Texas is reporting 479 customers affected by outages At least 10,000 customers were affected by outages at 4:20 p.m. LIST: Houston-high water locations Click hereto view the Entergy outage map. Click here to report an outage at your home. Click here to view the Centerpoint Energy outage map or to report an outage at your home. A tornado watch was in effect for Polk County and Liberty County until 7 p.m. Friday. Any thunderstorms that develop could bring heavy rain, strong winds and the threat for a brief isolated tornado. The Source The information in this article is from the power companies' websites.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Montgomery County conman sentenced to 60 years in prison
What we know A Montgomery County jury has sentenced Ruben Vargas, 46, of Kingwood, TX, to 60 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for first-degree felony securities fraud and first-degree felony theft. The verdict was handed down on February 26, 2025. "Even though we had a mutual friend, I really thought I could trust Ruben Vargas, and it turned out I couldn't at all," said Bryan Saintes, one of Vargas's victims. The backstory Vargas was charged in 2023 for defrauding victims between 2021 and 2022. Vargas portrayed himself as a highly successful broker, falsely promising to multiply his victim's investments with no risk. Witnesses described how he manipulated their trust, presenting himself as a charismatic, knowledgeable, and wealthy businessman who guaranteed he would cover any losses. Several victims also testified that Vargas exploited their Christian faith to deceive them further. "He always had his nice house, his good cars, so he was like a businessman," said Hugo Ponza, another victim of Vargas. In total, 14 victims testified that Vargas—who has never been a licensed investment adviser—stole approximately $690,000 and failed to return any money. "I just invested $5,000 and his return that he promised me was $25,000 in 5 months," said Saintes. "I gave him about $6,000-7,000, which at that time, I had in bitcoin," said Ponza. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app Instead, Vargas used the funds to purchase a Maserati sedan, two trucks, $24,000 in furniture, a home, and to pay off other investors. The jury also heard that Vargas' victims included his ex-wife, whom he assaulted while she was pregnant, and his daughter, from whom he stole both her quinceañera money and an insurance settlement. What they're saying Two of Vargas' victims spoke to FOX 26 Houston and said Vargas made investment promises that he did not keep. "About the fourth month he was going to make payment for the $25,000. Well, he told me that the market wasn't as good as he expected. He said he had at least doubled my money so he had promised me a $10,000 return," said Saintes. "Like a year later, I was in a situation where I was needing money, and I was like can I get at least half of it back? And that's when I realized it was all gone," said Ponza. "We weren't his first victims. Hopefully we'll be his last. When it comes to Ruben Vargas, don't trust him," said Saintes. The Source Jade Flury spoke with the victims of Ruben Vargas.
