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