One of the suspects in the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl found dead in Houston, is also facing allegations of raping an American woman in Costa Rica, according to former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
The suspects, Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johann Jose Langel Martinez, 21, are believed to have connections to the Tren de Aragua gang and are charged with Nungaray’s murder, which is described as a violent assault involving strangulation and sexual assault.
Ogg revealed that, prior to her departure, Pena Ramos was implicated in a previous sexual assault incident involving another American woman in Costa Rica, who was reportedly vacationing at the time. “It happened in Costa Rica. It happened to American citizens who came forward after their photos were broadcast nationwide,” Ogg explained. She expressed frustration that Costa Rican authorities did not act on the woman’s complaint.
Nungaray’s family, alarmed by the headlines surrounding her murder and the suspects, hope to bring attention to the case. The victim’s mother described her daughter as a creative and unique individual with a love for retro fashion and music.
Ogg has been vocal about the need for justice. She previously sought the death penalty for the suspects and remains concerned about ongoing investigations. “Do they deserve to die for rape and Jocelyn’s murder, or should they spend their life in prison?” she pondered, indicating her fears about potential leniency over time.
Moreover, Jocelyn’s mother has become an advocate for victims of crimes linked to illegal immigrants, emphasizing that her daughter’s death should have been avoidable. “I support immigration, but I say there are the right and wrong ways to do it,” she stated, voicing her support for tighter border controls and immigration laws.
Pena Ramos and Martinez both crossed into the U.S. illegally this year. Pena Ramos was apprehended by border agents and subsequently released with a court date, while Martinez was also captured under similar circumstances.
As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, grappling with the implications of the crimes and the broader issues surrounding immigration and safety.
