Illegal Immigrant Suspected in Jocelyn Nungaray Murder Faces New Charge of Prior Sexual Assault in Costa Rica

One of the two men charged in the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston is now facing additional allegations of sexual assault, this time relating to an incident in Costa Rica involving an American woman. The revelation was made by former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, who underscored the severity and international scope of the accusations now tied to the suspects.

The suspects, Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, are both Venezuelan nationals alleged to have entered the United States illegally and to possibly have ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The pair faces charges linked to the brutal June 2024 killing of Nungaray, who was reportedly sexually assaulted and strangled, her body later discovered bound in a Houston bayou. Authorities believe these crimes highlight disturbing gaps in background vetting for individuals crossing borders.

While serving as district attorney, Ogg learned from her investigation that prior to arriving in Texas, Pena Ramos had allegedly been involved in a sexual assault case in Costa Rica. The victim, an American woman vacationing there at the time, recognized Pena Ramos after his image appeared on national television amidst coverage of the Nungaray case. Despite coming forward at the time, the woman reportedly received little response from Costa Rican authorities. Ogg expressed deep frustration on behalf of the survivor, noting, “When she reported it…they did nothing. Imagine the frustration of that individual. I don't want that to be swept under the carpet.”

The American woman, though not from Texas, decided to come forward upon seeing the suspects’ photos in national headlines following the Nungaray case. Ogg praised her decision, stating, “The courage of any crime victim to come forward like that is remarkable to me and that played a major role in determining whether the death penalty is appropriate.”

Ogg, who had sought the death penalty for both suspects while in office, emphasized the difficulties faced by law enforcement when suspects have criminal histories that span multiple countries. According to Ogg, “authorities had no idea of their past behavior,” which complicates the assessment of future threat and sentencing decisions. She also voiced concerns about decisions made since she left office, urging for public transparency and accountability in resolving cases of such magnitude.

Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, has become a vocal advocate for victims and survivors of crimes perpetrated by illegal immigrants. In several interviews, she described Jocelyn as “a very creative, talented, free-spirited 12-year-old girl” with a love for vintage fashion and decades-old music. Alexis continues to honor her daughter’s memory by raising awareness about the consequences of insufficient border control and advocating for stronger immigration laws. “Jocelyn's death should have been preventable,” she stated, vowing to always be a voice for her daughter and others affected by similar tragedies.

The case has also taken on political dimensions, with Alexis Nungaray expressing gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his efforts toward stricter immigration enforcement. “He's protecting the people and making sure we're safe…and that our kids are safe, women are safe, that we're all safe in our communities,” she explained. However, she also stressed her support for legal immigration pathways, emphasizing that the safety of American communities must remain paramount.

Both Pena Ramos and Rangel Martinez reportedly entered the United States illegally through El Paso, Texas, in early 2024, where they were apprehended by Border Patrol agents and subsequently released into the country pending court dates. The details of their release and supervision remain under scrutiny as lawmakers and community members demand accountability and reforms.

The tragic events of June 2024 unfolded after Jocelyn, having sneaked out of her family’s apartment, was last heard speaking with two individuals while on the phone with her boyfriend. Investigators say the boyfriend was able to provide key information about her interactions shortly before her death, aiding in the swift identification of suspects.

As the high-profile case continues, calls intensify for greater cross-border cooperation, more rigorous background checks, and justice for Jocelyn and others harmed by violent crime. The Houston community and advocates nationwide continue to honor her memory and push for policy changes they believe could prevent future tragedies.