Amidst growing outrage over the gruesome murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, Texas officials and crime victims advocates are calling for tougher bail laws, citing the involvement of two illegal immigrant suspects with prior criminal records.
The tragic and senseless murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray has sent shockwaves through the Houston community and beyond, prompting Texas officials and crime victims advocates to demand stricter bail laws. The two suspects charged with the crime, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, were both illegal immigrants with documented prior criminal histories.
Martinez-Rangel, 21, and Peña Ramos, 26, are facing capital murder charges in connection with Nungaray's death. The 12-year-old girl was found strangled to death in a Houston creek on June 17, 2024. According to investigators, the suspects illegally crossed into the United States earlier this year.
Texas Officials Demand Stricter Bail Laws in Wake of Jocelyn Nungaray's Murder
Peña Ramos' attorneys have filed a protective order to prevent the negative media attention the case has received from influencing his right to a fair trial. The motion argues that excessive media coverage could "produce a result of undue prejudice" during the trial.
The case has ignited concerns about the broken immigration system and its potential impact on public safety. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has strongly criticized the system, stating that "the immigration system is broken." She believes that the suspects should have been detained and not released, as they posed a danger to the community.
Texas Officials Demand Stricter Bail Laws in Wake of Jocelyn Nungaray's Murder
Nungaray's family has spoken out about their daughter's murder, demanding accountability for the suspects' actions. Alexis Nungaray, the girl's mother, criticized the decision to release the suspects after they were initially detained. She believes that they should have been held in custody to prevent the tragedy.
The murder has also sparked calls for increased border security and immigration law enforcement. Former President Donald Trump has visited the southern border, expressing support for the Nungaray family and advocating for stronger border measures.
Texas Officials Demand Stricter Bail Laws in Wake of Jocelyn Nungaray's Murder
In response to the public outcry, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated that he intends to introduce legislation to tighten bail laws and address the revolving door issue in the criminal justice system. He believes that stricter bail requirements will help ensure that dangerous individuals remain in custody until trial.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office has yet to comment on the protective order filed by Peña Ramos' attorneys. Fox News Digital has reached out to the office for a response. Peña Ramos' attorney has also been contacted for comment.
Texas Officials Demand Stricter Bail Laws in Wake of Jocelyn Nungaray's Murder
The Houston community continues to mourn the loss of Jocelyn Nungaray and express profound outrage over the circumstances surrounding her death. Residents are demanding justice for the innocent girl and calling for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
