Body of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray found; two charged with murder

Body of 12-Year-Old Jocelyn Nungaray Found in Houston Bayou, Roommates Charged with Capital Murder

Houston, Texas: The body of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was discovered by a resident in a bayou on the morning of June 17, according to Houston police Lt. Stephen Hope. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined that the young girl was strangled to death.

Houston Police News Release

"I talked to Jocelyn's mother, Alexis, and she's been very brave but she is still devastated," - Acting Houston Police Chief Larry J. Satterwhite.

Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel (22) and Franklin Peña (26), roommates, have been arrested and charged with capital murder. Surveillance footage from a 7-Eleven and witness tips led police to the suspects.

What Happened to Jocelyn Nungaray?

Hope revealed that Nungaray was murdered within three to four hours of meeting Martinez-Rangel and Peña. The young girl snuck out of her family's apartment on Tuesday evening and encountered the suspects as they were leaving a restaurant.

Houston Chronicle

"I want karma to hit them. I’m angry. They took advantage of her... They took my baby away.” - Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn's mother.

Prosecutors allege that Martinez-Rangel and Peña asked Nungaray for directions, then lured her to a bridge where they bound her hands, assaulted her, and ultimately strangled her to death. The two men then returned to their apartment, leaving Nungaray's body at the bridge.

Surveillance and Community Aid

Houston police released surveillance photos of the suspects from the 7-Eleven, leading to witnesses coming forward and community members providing crucial tips. Acting Police Chief Satterwhite expressed gratitude for the public's assistance in identifying the suspects.

Bond Set at $10 Million

A Harris County judge has set a $10 million bond for each suspect, Martinez-Rangel and Peña, who are both Venezuelan natives. During their respective bail hearings, Peña initially blamed his roommate for the assault and death, while Martinez-Rangel admitted to tying Nungaray's legs and instructing Peña to dispose of the body.

KPRC 2

KPRC 2 reported that Martinez-Rangel attempted to alter his appearance to avoid detection and researched methods to flee the country. Prosecutors also noted that he is the father of two young children.

Denial of Bail

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has voiced his opinion that neither suspect should be granted bail, stating that "if there was ever a circumstance where you do not give someone bail, this is it."

The Houston community mourns the tragic loss of young Jocelyn Nungaray, and the judicial system will determine the fate of her accused murderers, Franklin Peña and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel.