HOUSTON, Texas — The mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray wants the “worst punishment” for her daughter’s killers but decided to let the Harris County District Attorney make the decision on the death penalty.
“I want the most justice possible. I want them to live forever miserably in prison and I also want them to be killed,” said Alexis Nungaray.
Jocelyn Nungaray was murdered in Houston in June. Harris County’s outgoing district attorney, Kim Ogg, announced plans to seek the death penalty in this capital murder case.
Two Venezuelan nationals, Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, face accusations of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and murdering Jocelyn Nungaray.
They entered the United States illegally earlier this year and were released pending immigration court hearings, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jocelyn’s murder, described as vile and brutal by District Attorney Ogg, is linked to the immigration status of the accused, turning it into a national political issue.
Ogg expressed that had these individuals been detained at the border, Jocelyn’s murder might have been prevented. She noted the strength of evidence in deciding to pursue the death penalty.
If convicted and sentenced to death, Rangel and Ramos could join others on Texas’ death row from Harris County.
The immigration aspect of Jocelyn’s murder gained attention during the presidential campaign. Alexis Nungaray has advocated for stricter immigrant detention policies, a stance supported by President-elect Donald Trump and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz.
Nungaray emphasizes her motivation to keep her daughter’s memory alive.
“I will always speak out for her as much as I can and shed light on the kind of person she was,” she stated.
