Persons of interest now charged with murder in 12-year-old’s strangulation, Houston police say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two individuals detained in connection with the strangulation death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray have been charged with capital murder, according to police.

Less than 48 hours after the Houston Police Department released images of two male persons of interest, authorities announced that Johan Jose Rangel Martinez and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos were arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in the crime.

At a Thursday press conference, Lt. Stephen Hope explained that surveillance footage and other evidence led to the suspects’ identification. The two men were seen on camera leaving a Northborough-area restaurant on foot and meeting with Jocelyn on Kuykendahl Road. They then walked to a convenience store and later to a bridge, where the 12-year-old was murdered.

After the crime, Rangel Martinez and Pena Ramos continued to their residence, leaving Jocelyn behind. Police arrested them at 13355 Northborough Drive at the Canfield Lakes Apartments on Thursday, where additional evidence was found.