The murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston takes a chilling turn as the Harris County DA reveals evidence that suggests a sexual assault "likely happened." The two illegal immigrant suspects, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, have had their bail set at $10 million each amid emotional court proceedings.
The brutal murder of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, has sent shockwaves through the Houston community and beyond. The Harris County District Attorney, Kim Ogg, has revealed "unspeakable" details about the crime, indicating that a sexual assault "likely happened" during the horrific ordeal.
As the second suspect, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, appeared in court on Tuesday, his bail was set at $10 million. The court heard chilling evidence that suggests he may have played a role in tying up the victim and disposing of her body in a bayou. Martinez-Rangel was allegedly found with a bite mark on his arm and scratch marks during his arrest.
Horrific Details Emerge in Murder of Texas 12-Year-Old, DA Says Sexual Assault 'Likely'
During the court hearing, a woman in the gallery confronted Martinez-Rangel, calling him a "murderer" and demanding that he see her face. Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray, who has condemned the suspects as "monsters," stared at him as he exited the courtroom.
Co-defendant Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, had his bail set at $10 million on Monday. Both suspects are facing capital murder charges, and Ogg has indicated that prosecutors are waiting for lab tests to determine if the charges can be upgraded to make them eligible for the death penalty.
Horrific Details Emerge in Murder of Texas 12-Year-Old, DA Says Sexual Assault 'Likely'
Investigators have revealed that they have obtained evidence from Martinez-Rangel's phone suggesting that he was searching for ways to flee the country after his image was released to the media. The judge has imposed strict bail conditions on both suspects, including GPS monitoring, house arrest, and a prohibition on contacting the victim's family or each other.
Ogg described the case as "horrific," saying that "Jocelyn's last moments were unspeakable." She recounted how the suspects allegedly lured the victim to a secluded area under a bridge, attacked her, strangled her, and dumped her body in the water.
Horrific Details Emerge in Murder of Texas 12-Year-Old, DA Says Sexual Assault 'Likely'
Disturbingly, it emerged that Peña Ramos was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the alleged murder, which had been provided to him by Border Patrol agents after he illegally entered the United States. The ankle monitor was intended to track his movements while he awaited an immigration hearing.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and concern within the community, raising questions about the ability of authorities to effectively monitor illegal immigrants who are released from custody. Ogg has expressed concerns about both suspects being a flight risk, hence the high bail amount imposed by the court.
Horrific Details Emerge in Murder of Texas 12-Year-Old, DA Says Sexual Assault 'Likely'
As the investigation continues, prosecutors are gathering evidence to build a strong case against Martinez-Rangel and Peña Ramos. The Harris County Sheriff's Office and the FBI are assisting in the ongoing probe.
The Nungaray family has expressed profound grief and anger over the loss of their beloved daughter. They have appealed for justice and urged the community to remain vigilant in protecting children from such heinous crimes.
