A new search warrant reveals that the suspects who killed 12-year-old Joselyn Nungaray may be members of the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua.
Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martínez Rangel, 22, were charged last month with capital murder in connection with Nungaray's murder.
Documents say Pena and Rangel kidnapped a 12-year-old girl and compressed her neck until she died. The two are also accused of sexually assaulting her before leaving her body under a bridge.
A new search warrant related to the alleged gang involvement was filed and obtained in Harris County District Court. FOX 26 Houston.
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Defense attorney, interpreter and representative accompany Johan Jose Martínez Rangel to court in connection with the murder of 12-year-old Joselyn Nangaray in Houston on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. are. (pool)
The alleged ties to the gang, also known as TdA, were discovered after a search of their social media accounts.
A TikTok account believed to be associated with Rangel uses ninja, crossed swords and classic building emojis, which are known to be associated with gangs. TikTok did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment about the new search warrant.
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Jocelyn Nangaray (Getty Images)
Investigators also observed videos of Rangel “wearing Jordans and Gucci,” brands that were also associated with the gang.
Pena's TikTok account includes photos of tattoos known to be associated with the TdA gang, including a star on each shoulder and a rose on his hand. He was seen on video wearing Air Jordan brand and Chicago Bulls brand clothing, according to a search warrant.
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Franklin José Peña Ramos (left) and Johan José Martínez-Rangel were charged with the murder of Jocelyn Nangaray on Monday, June 17, in Houston, Texas. (Harris County Jail)
“We believe that Johan Jose Martínez Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos utilized multiple social media applications and accounts to communicate with gang members about gang activities,” one of the investigators said. written in the search warrant.
The search warrant requests further data from the suspect's cell phone. social media accounts, Seeking further evidence linking them to capital murder charges.
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Rangel is scheduled to return to court on November 11th.
FOX News' Audrey Conklin and Michael Lewis contributed to this report.
