Latest news with #JocelynNungaray
Fox News
7 hours ago
- General
- Fox News
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." 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. "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. 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." 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. "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. "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.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Sinister twist in migrant 'murder' of Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, sparked by rape claim from U.S. woman on vacation
One of the two migrants charged in the cold-blooded rape and murder of a 12-year-old Texas girl has now been linked to the rape of an American woman on vacation in Costa Rica. The murder of Joycelyn Nungaray, 12, became an immigration flashpoint last summer after the suspects in her brutal slaying were revealed to be Venezuelan migrants who entered the country illegally just months before. Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, are accused of luring Jocelyn Nungaray, who had snuck out of her house late at night, underneath a bridge. After spending two hours with her there, the Venezuelan men emerged alone, and the raped and strangled body of the girl had been dumped in a near-by bayou. Now, a US citizen woman who was vacationing in Costa Rica told authorities she was raped by Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, reported Fox 26. The attack in Central America happened before Nungaray was killed June 17, presumably as Pena was en route to America from his native South America. The unidentified woman went to Costa Rican authorities after she was attacked, but was ignored, revealed Kim Ogg, who was district attorney in Houston until January. 'When she reported it to the authorities in Costa Rica, they did nothing,' Ogg explained. 'Imagine the frustration of that individual. I don't want that to be swept under the carpet.' Ogg added that learning about the Costa Rica victim last year was key to the Harris County DA's office's decision to seek the death penalty for both men in Nungaray's case. The woman, who does not live in Texas, reached out to Ogg's office after seeing Pena's photo plastered all over the news after Nungaray's death. 'Authorities had no idea of their past behavior- if they had criminal charges in Venezuela or another country- that makes it hard to determine if someone is going to be a future danger,' the former prosecutor told the Houston TV station. The migrants have been accused of having links to Venezuelan super gang Tren de Aragua. Ogg says she's making making the Costa Rica alleged rape public now since she fears the new DA, who has recently dismissed several cases, will be plea down the charges in the Nungaray case. reached out to the new DA, Sean Teare, who did not comment on Ogg's allegations but shared that Pena is due back in court for a non-trial setting Monday at 9:30 a.m. However, the Pena and Martinez will be tried separately for their capital murder charges in the pre-teen case, no sooner than 2026 her mother told in March. The grieving mother learned of the woman's sexual assault just recently. 'I always felt in my heart that this was never their first time, especially Pena,' mom Alexis Nungaray told the local outlet. 'To just know that this happened to another woman, it hurts my heart. A piece of me shatters a little bit.' Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg revealed that one of two men accused in the sexual assault and death of Jocelyn Nungaray has been accused in a second rape Booking photos of Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena, 26, now charged with capital murder in the death of 12-yr-old Jocelyn Nungaray on June 17 It's unclear what role Pena played in Nungaray's murder and rape, as both illegal immigrants have turned on each, trying to minimize their own culpability. After sneaking out in the middle of the night of the Texas apartment she shared with her mom and younger brother in June, the two men approached Nungaray on the street near her home. She willingly went with them to a convenience store and later under a bridge where she was raped and strangled over a two-hour period. Franklin Pena claims he never even touched Jocelyn, saying it was Martinez-Rangel who wrapped his forearm around Jocelyn's neck while standing behind her and walked her under the bridge, according to TV station Fox 26. Martinez-Rangel laid Jocelyn onto her back, according to Pena, and took her pants off. He then described how Martinez-Rangel climbed on top of her while holding her arms down. Pena tried to intervene, telling Martinez-Rangel to stop and that they should leave, but Martinez-Rangel responded, 'I have to finish what I started.' Martinez-Rangel then strangled her using his forearm, killing her and binding her hands and feet together. The images show a relaxed Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, walking into the 7-Eleven in North Houston with a man and willing leaving with him Video shows Johan Jose Martínez Rangel, one of the two men accused of killing Jocelyn Nungaray, on the night he and Franklin Peña Ramos were seen with the young girl It was Martinez-Rangel's idea-- Pena claimed-- to move her body into the water to destroy any DNA. Pena also accused Martinez-Rangel of shaving his beard after the murder so that he would not be recognized. In his own police interview, Martinez-Rangel initially denied he had killed Jocelyn, however, in later talks with investigators, he did fuss up. He admitted to making the decision to tie her up and put her in the water. However, it was Pena, who asked his boss at the construction company where he worked for money to leave Houston after the murder but before the Venezuelan duo was arrested, prosecutors alleged in court.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Suspect in Jocelyn Nungaray case accused of raping American woman in Costa Rica
The Brief The former Harris County District Attorney says one suspect in the Jocelyn Nungaray case has a past of sexual assault. She says the rape happened in Costa Rica to an American victim who was on vacation. Alexis Nungaray responded to the shocking update, saying she admires the young woman for coming forward. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg is sharing evidence in the Jocelyn Nungaray case that hasn't been made public, until now. The backstory Ogg was the DA when Capital Murder charges were filed against Johan Jose Martinez Rangel and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos in the killing and sexual assault of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in June 2024. The case quickly made national headlines as Rangel and Pena were found to be undocumented Venezuelan nationals, with possible gang ties, who were in the U.S. illegally. Ogg says her office worked diligently evaluating evidence to seek the death penalty in the case. "Authorities had no idea of their past behavior - if they had criminal charges in Venezuela or another country - that makes it hard to determine if someone is going to be a future danger," she said. But she says there was a break in that investigation and now, Ogg is sharing with FOX 26, a key piece of evidence that helped secure the death penalty option. What we know "What we learned over the course of the investigation was that one of the suspects, Pena, had been involved in a prior sexual assault," said Ogg. Ogg says an American woman was on vacation when Pena attacked her. "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," she said. Ogg continued, "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." She says that the woman is from out of state, but was compelled to come forward. "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," said Ogg. Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn's mother, was shocked - but not surprised by the development. "I always felt in my heart that this was never their first time, especially Pena," she said. "To just know that this happened to another woman, it hurts my heart. A piece of me shatters a little bit." Alexis says she's a bit weary of what the new development could mean for the case, but hopes it means more will see the potential danger these suspects pose - and encourage any victims to use their voice. "I pray that no other woman has had to look in his eyes while they have their vulnerability taken from them, but if there are any others, I pray that they have the courage and the strength to come forward and help shed light on an open case," she said. What they're saying Ogg has known this information since her office sought the death penalty, and FOX26 asked, why come forward with it now? "Because I am very concerned about the decisions my successor district attorney has been making," she said, referencing multiple cases that have recently been dismissed. "I think it's important for the public to get the final say. 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," said Ogg. Alexis echoed the importance of Pena's criminal history being known. "I see this as a re-occurring re-offender scenario and, because he wasn't held accountable for his actions when he did this to the other young woman - he should be held accountable for this young child whose life was taken," said Alexis. What's next FOX 26 reached out to the Harris County District Attorney's Office asking if the current administration would like to respond to Ogg's statements. They declined to comment. Both Rangel and Pena are set to be arraigned next month. The Source This article was written using information from the former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray and previous FOX26 reporting.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas House set to vote on bail restrictions for people illegally in the country accused of violent crimes
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Senate Joint Resolution 1 — a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent bail for those not lawfully in the country accused of certain crimes — faces a crucial vote in the House on Wednesday, hours before a midnight deadline. Known as 'Jocelyn's Law', after 12-year-old Houston girl Jocelyn Nungaray was allegedly killed by a pair of men illegally in the country last year, SJR 1 is a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott. 'Illegal immigrants who are arrested should be considered a flight risk, denied bail and turned over to [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)],' Abbott said during his state of the state address in early February. While the Texas legislature has passed tangential laws designed to uphold Abbott's vision — such as Senate Bill 8 which requires local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE on their 287(g) detention program — SJR 1 kept getting stalled in the Texas House. The proposed amendment took nearly three months to reach a House floor vote on May 19, passing to a third reading with an 88-50 vote. However, that's not enough for constitutional amendments which require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the legislature and a majority vote from the public. After failing to get the required 100 votes, SJR 1 was postponed. And postponed again. In total, it's been postponed seven times before Wednesday. It passed the Senate 28-2 all the way back on Feb. 19, but Senate Democrats had reservations about the bill. The senators worried about how broad the language is concerning the definition of 'illegal alien.' As it is written, Jocelyn's Law defines an illegal alien as anyone who entered the United States without inspection, or anyone who entered the country as a nonimmigrant and failed to maintain that status before they are accused of a crime. A nonimmigrant can be any foreign person allowed to enter the country for a certain amount of time and for a certain purpose, such as a student visa. The senators argue the language should be refined to 'ensure that those who may have initially entered the country without authorization but have since gone through the appropriate legal processes to gain lawful status are not impacted by this legislation.' SJR 1 is modeled off of the United States Congress' Laken Riley Act. It requires judges to deny bail for those defined as 'illegal aliens' if they're accused of committing one of these crimes: First-degree felony criminal solicitation Murder Capital murder Aggravated kidnapping Trafficking of persons Continuous trafficking of persons Indecency with a child Sexual assualt Aggravated sexual assault Felony injury to a child Aggravated robbery First-degree felony burglary with intent to: Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual Indecency with a child Sexual assualt Aggravated sexual assault Prohibited sexual conduct Aggravated promotion of prostitution Compelling prostitution Possession or promotion of child pornography A felony where: A deadly weapon was used or brandished The accused was a party to the felony where a deadly weapon was used or brandished A felony under the election code An offense involving the manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance with intent to delivery An offense involving the manufacturing, delivery or possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, if the accused had already been convicted of committing a similar crime A judge or magistrate must deny bail if they determine there is probable cause the person engaged in the accused crime at a hearing. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is an immigration attorney and has been following SJR 1. She is concerned that local criminal courts will have to make decisions on someone's immigration status, a job she feels is better adjudicated in a federal court. 'Those are two independent systems and they should be independent because immigration is complicated and it's federal law,' Lincoln-Goldfinch said. 'I've represented people who've been accused of being terrorists just because they have tattoos. I've seen firsthand the way detention can be politicized. I, personally, do not trust the fact that that would not happen at the state level.' The House and Senate must pass all bills on third reading by midnight on Wednesday. Any bills not passed are considered 'dead.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Mom of girl allegedly killed by illegals says wildlife refuge renaming 'means the world' to family
EXCLUSIVE: Alexis Nungaray, the mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose murder authorities say was at the hands of two illegal immigrants suspected to be Tren de Aragua gang members, told Fox News Digital that renaming a local wildlife refuge in her daughter's honor would mean "the world" to her family. Jocelyn Nungaray was sexually assaulted and strangled to death, allegedly by two Venezuelan illegals, Franklin Jose Pena Ramos and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, who were let through the southern border during the Biden administration. Her body was found tied up in a bayou in Houston. Since her daughter's murder, Alexis Nungaray has become a vocal advocate for increased border security and a supporter of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Nungaray said the tragic manner of Jocelyn's death "takes away [from] who she was as a person." However, she said that the renaming of a 39,000-acre wildlife refuge on the Texas Gulf Coast preserves Jocelyn's memory for what she loved in life. Trump issued an executive order on March 5 renaming the former Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Houston to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, have since introduced bills to enshrine Trump's executive order into law, making it more difficult for a future president to change the name of the refuge back. The Senate has already passed the bill, and Babin is working to pass it in the House. Babin told Fox News Digital that his bill to codify Trump's renaming of the refuge after Jocelyn is receiving bipartisan support and that he expects it will be passed by the House soon and be immediately signed by the president. "This is a beautiful place. And if we name it after her, I think we will preserve her legacy," he said. "The main thing we need to remember is that this can never be allowed to happen again," he added. "We get this thing in law, codified, no future president can ever undo this. And so, we will have a memory of what happens when you have bad policies that can create a system that will allow this to happen to innocent people like Jocelyn." Nungaray said the effort to rename the refuge "touches every part of my heart and my family's heart." "Everyone who knew Jocelyn knew she loved animals so much, knew she loved nature, wildlife," explained Nungaray. "She truly loved all animals and all creatures, and she wanted every animal to have a place to call home." "Knowing that this national wildlife refuge is a place for a bunch of wild animals that travel through the country, and it is somewhere that they can call home, and it is somewhere that they can find a place of safety for them. I just know it would absolutely mean the world to her to know she has something in honor of her in that nature." She said that seeing the signs going up around Houston bearing her daughter's name is "bittersweet." "I went out there to just go see what it was about, what it was like, and the amount of peace I felt just being there, it was just so pure and so peaceful," said Nungaray. "Immediately I thought Jocelyn would love this. She would love to be out here." "She wasn't just a 12-year-old girl who was strangled and left in a bayou of water," Nungaray went on. "She was a very creative, talented, free-spirited 12-year-old girl." Smiling, Nungaray added that 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. "She was very different and unique. She was an amazing friend," said Nungaray. Nungaray said she is very grateful to Trump for both his support and for "keeping his promises" regarding immigration enforcement. "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 one-million percent Jocelyn's death should have been preventable."
