In a tragic turn of events, the Houston Police Department has announced the arrests of Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, in connection with the death of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl found dead in a Houston creek. Jocelyn, who had an estimated net worth of $0 and was at a tender age of 12, was discovered on the morning of Monday, June 17. Houston police had previously indicated that they suspected foul play.
Who Are the Suspects?
During a press conference on Thursday, June 20, Houston police Lt. Stephen Hope identified the suspects. Martinez and Ramos have been charged with capital murder and were taken into custody earlier that day. Lt. Hope added that the suspects are currently awaiting booking on the murder charge. It remains unclear if they have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf.
What Led to the Arrests?
Lt. Hope shared more details about the events leading up to Jocelyn’s tragic death. On Sunday, June 16, the suspects visited a local restaurant and were seen heading southbound on foot. Surveillance cameras captured Martinez and Ramos talking with Jocelyn. According to Lt. Hope, the trio then walked together to a convenience store before heading to a bridge, where investigators believe Jocelyn was killed. The suspects were seen leaving southbound after the incident.
How Were the Suspects Apprehended?
The investigation led officers to an apartment complex on Northborough Drive, where Martinez and Ramos were detained and taken in for questioning on Thursday. Lt. Hope noted that evidence recovered at the scene during the suspects’ questioning ultimately led to their arrests. He praised the collaborative efforts of the police officers, investigative teams, the media, and the community for their roles in the swift apprehension of the suspects.
What Was Jocelyn’s Last Known Whereabouts?
Police previously revealed that Jocelyn had snuck out of her house at around 10 p.m. the night before she was found dead. Detectives were initially seeking to speak to two unidentified males considered persons of interest. According to KRIV, Jocelyn had been talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone when he overheard her conversing with two men at a convenience store.
Who Discovered Jocelyn’s Body?
Jocelyn’s body was found by Billie Jean Jackson, a woman on her daily morning commute. “Horrifying, it was scary,” Jackson told the station. “Being from a small town and then nothing like this ever happens. Finding that, it scared me as a mother and grandmother.” Jocelyn was found in a shallow part of a creek, and her discovery has shaken the local community.
What Is Known About the Relationship Between the Suspects and the Victim?
Lt. Hope stated that the relationship between the suspects and Jocelyn is still under investigation. He confirmed that Martinez and Ramos were the same men pictured in photos previously shared with the public via the department’s social media pages. The police are continuing their efforts to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
How Has the Community Responded?
The community has rallied around Jocelyn’s family in the wake of her death. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family has raised over $22,000. The organizer of the fundraiser wrote, “Her family was not prepared for such a loss and needed help to give her daughter the memorial she deserves, to honor her memory and to say our last goodbyes. Anything helps and I ask for you to please give her and her family the time they need to grieve in peace.”
What Are the Next Steps in the Investigation?
The suspects are currently awaiting further legal proceedings. Lt. Hope emphasized the importance of continued community involvement and media coverage to ensure justice for Jocelyn. The Houston Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
How Can the Public Stay Informed?
For those wanting to stay updated on this case and other crime news, PEOPLE offers a free True Crime newsletter that provides breaking news, ongoing trial coverage, and details of intriguing unsolved cases. This tragic event has highlighted the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in solving and preventing such heinous crimes.
In this heartbreaking case, the swift actions of the Houston Police Department and the community have led to significant progress. However, the journey to justice for Jocelyn is far from over, and the community remains united in their support for her family and in their quest for answers.