Prosecutors in Harris County, Texas, are seeking the death penalty against two Venezuelan nationals accused of the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena, 26, were charged with capital murder in September following the June 2024 killing. Court documents allege the suspects kidnapped Jocelyn, assaulted her, and killed her by strangulation before discarding her body under a bridge.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced her office’s intent to pursue the death penalty for both defendants.
“We will be filing notice with the state of Texas that we intend to seek the death penalty against Jocelyn’s murderers,” Ogg told reporters. “We are seeking death because we want the message to be clear that no matter who you are—or your immigration status—you will face the full consequences for murdering a child during the course of a heinous crime like rape and kidnapping.”
Ogg emphasized that her decision followed careful consultation with Jocelyn’s family. “I’ve spoken multiple times with her parents, Alexis Nungaray and her father. They fully support this decision,” she said. “While the final decision is ours, we feel confident that a Texas jury will sentence these defendants to death based on the evidence we’ve gathered and the brutality of this crime.”
Jocelyn left her mother’s apartment in June to visit a nearby convenience store. According to investigators, she was allegedly abducted by Martinez-Rangel and Pena, who then took her to an isolated area beneath a bridge.
Prosecutors allege the suspects sexually assaulted Jocelyn, tied her up, and strangled her to death. Her body was left under the bridge and later discovered by authorities.
“In this case, the defendants lured a vulnerable 12-year-old girl into a secluded area, subjected her to unthinkable acts of violence, and then callously ended her life,” prosecutors wrote in a June filing.
Jocelyn’s case has captured national attention and reignited debates about crime and immigration policy. Prosecutors say the horrific nature of the crime warrants the death penalty.
“We base our decisions on evidence and the facts of each case,” Ogg said. “This was a brutal, senseless murder of a child, and we believe the punishment should reflect the severity of the crime.”
Martinez-Rangel and Pena remain in custody as they await trial. If convicted, they could face execution. Jocelyn’s parents have expressed their grief and commitment to seeing justice served.