Two men last seen on surveillance footage with 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray before she was found dead in a Texas creek have been charged with capital murder.
Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, were taken into custody by a SWAT team at a Houston apartment complex Thursday afternoon, police announced during a press conference shortly after.
Martinez and Ramos were previously considered persons of interest.
Persons of Interest Sought in Homicide at 400 West Rankin https://t.co/fZR67DtTQT
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 20, 2024
The pair are accused of killing Jocelyn after she snuck out of her family's apartment Sunday night, according to police.
By 6 a.m. Monday morning, Jocelyn's mom told police she realized her daughter was missing. At the same time, a woman called police to report a dead body in a nearby creek.
Authorities believe Martinez and Ramos began their evening Sunday at an area restaurant. They left on foot and encountered Jocelyn. The three of them then went to a 7-Eleven together before walking to a bridge where Jocelyn was allegedly killed. A motive and manner of death was not disclosed.
"I want karma to hit them," Jocelyn's mom, Alexis Nungaray, said a day before the arrests were made, according to KPRC-TV. "I'm angry. They took advantage of her. She's so young. She's 12. I want justice."
"They took my baby away," she continued.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Mayor John Whitemire said he was "angry that we have dangerous criminals on the streets of Houston" and wants the "bad actors to be held accountable" for Jocelyn's death.
