Suspect in Jocelyn Nungaray Murder Also Faces Prior Sexual Assault Charges in Costa Rica

A case that has stirred national outrage continues to unfold as new allegations surface against one of the suspects charged in the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray. Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, a Venezuelan national, now faces additional accusations of raping an American woman in Costa Rica prior to his involvement in the Houston case.

Pena Ramos and co-defendant Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, have both been charged in connection with the brutal killing of Nungaray in June 2024. Authorities allege that the suspects sexually assaulted and strangled the young girl, eventually abandoning her body, bound and lifeless, in a Houston bayou. Both men are believed to have entered the United States illegally in the spring of 2024 through El Paso, Texas, and their alleged links to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang have heightened public anxieties.

Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, who led much of the investigation before leaving office last year, revealed that information surfaced during her tenure implicating Pena Ramos in a prior sexual assault case. According to Ogg, an American woman came forward after seeing the suspect’s photograph on television, stating she had been attacked by Pena Ramos while vacationing in Costa Rica. Despite reporting the incident to Costa Rican authorities, the woman claims no action was taken—a fact Ogg characterized as deeply troubling.

“The courage of any crime victim to come forward like that is remarkable to me,” Ogg remarked, underscoring how this new testimony could impact the state’s pursuit of the death penalty. Ogg emphasized that awareness of the suspects’ past behavior, particularly criminal charges outside the U.S., is crucial for authorities assessing future risk and ensuring justice for victims.

This revelation comes at a time of increased scrutiny of prosecutorial decisions in Harris County. Ogg expressed concern about recent case dismissals by her successor and stressed the importance of public engagement in determining appropriate consequences for the accused. “I just want people to remember Jocelyn, and I want them to hear and make a decision about the evidence,” she stated.

Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, has become a vocal advocate for tougher immigration enforcement and victim rights. In emotional public statements, she described Jocelyn as a creative, unique, and compassionate girl—someone who loved vintage music and fashion and was cherished by her friends. “I will always advocate for her and be her voice and stand up for better border control and immigration laws. Because I know 1 million percent, Jocelyn’s death should have been preventable,” Nungaray said.

The ongoing investigation has also cast a broader spotlight on immigration policy and the challenges faced by law enforcement when tracking prior offenses committed by individuals who cross borders illegally. Both Pena Ramos and Rangel Martinez reportedly entered the U.S. illegally earlier this year and were released pending immigration proceedings, raising questions about federal procedures and the adequacy of background checks conducted during border encounters.

As the legal process continues, residents and elected officials alike are grappling with the disturbing details of Jocelyn’s murder and its implications for public safety and immigration policy. Community members, victim advocates, and policymakers continue to call for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future, vowing to honor Jocelyn’s memory and support other families affected by violent crime.