2 Men Arrested for Capital Murder After 12-Year-Old Girl Found Strangled in Houston Creek
Houston, TX — In a deeply troubling case that has shocked the Houston community, two men were arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of a 12-year-old girl, Jocelyn Nungaray. The arrests come after the young girl’s body was discovered in a creek earlier this week. Police have charged Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, with capital murder in Jocelyn’s death.
The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jocelyn died from strangulation, a finding that has intensified the grief and outrage surrounding the case. The young girl’s body was found early Monday morning in the shallow waters of a creek, not far from her home. According to police, she had sneaked out of her home the night before, leading to the tragic events that unfolded.
Surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. The footage showed Jocelyn meeting with Martinez and Ramos before they all walked to a nearby convenience store together. The trio then proceeded to a bridge, the location where Jocelyn was ultimately killed. Police are still investigating whether Jocelyn had any prior acquaintance with the men, who were reported to be roommates.
The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear. However, the police have indicated that the results of a sexual assault examination on Jocelyn are still pending, which could provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding her death.
On Tuesday, prior to the arrests, police had released images from the surveillance footage, identifying Martinez and Ramos as persons of interest. The dissemination of these images to the public played a significant role in leading to their capture. As of Thursday afternoon, it was not clear whether Martinez and Ramos had legal representation, as their names did not yet appear in jail or court records.
Community Reaction
The local community has been left in shock and mourning following the news of Jocelyn’s death. Vigils and memorials have been organized, with residents expressing their sorrow and calling for justice. Many parents in the area have voiced heightened concerns about the safety of their children, prompting discussions about how to better protect young people from similar dangers.
Local authorities have urged parents to be vigilant and aware of their children’s activities, especially during the summer months when children may be more likely to spend time outside unsupervised. Community leaders are also advocating for more robust surveillance and safety measures in public areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Jocelyn’s death is ongoing, with police working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to her murder. They are examining all available evidence, including the surveillance footage and any potential witnesses who may have seen the trio on the night of the incident. Forensic analysis and the pending results of the sexual assault examination are expected to shed more light on the case.
The police have also appealed to the public for any additional information that could assist in the investigation. They have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such heinous crimes and bringing those responsible to justice.
In the meantime, Martinez and Ramos remain in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The charges of capital murder they face carry the most severe penalties under Texas law, reflecting the gravity of the crime they are accused of committing.
The tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray has cast a pall over the Houston community, serving as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities that children can face. As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to rally together in support of Jocelyn’s family, seeking justice for a young life cut tragically short. This case underscores the critical need for vigilance, community support, and effective law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
Further updates on this developing story will be provided as more information becomes available.
