Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Friday that she will seek the death penalty for two illegal Venezuelan migrants accused of the brutal rape and murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, were arrested in June and charged with the horrific crime. Speaking with Fox and Friends co-host Lawrence Jones, Ogg explained her decision to pursue the maximum penalty under Texas law.
“We’ll be filing notice by the state of Texas that we intend to seek the death penalty against Jocelyn’s murderers, Pena and Rangel,” Ogg said. “Both were Venezuelan nationals who entered this country illegally and, within days, committed the horrific acts of raping and murdering Jocelyn Nungaray. This case warrants the death penalty because of the egregious nature of the crime.”
Ogg sharply criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, arguing that Jocelyn’s murder could have been prevented.
“The Democratic policies of open borders have failed the American public,” Ogg said. “If the Justice for Jocelyn Act, filed by Senator Ted Cruz, or any of the policies President-elect Trump is advocating had been in place, Jocelyn would likely still be alive today.”
The Justice for Jocelyn Act, proposed by Senator Cruz, seeks to strengthen border security and expand detention requirements for individuals entering the country illegally. Ogg emphasized that stricter enforcement could have prevented the tragedy.
“If these individuals had been detained as they should have been, Jocelyn would still be here,” Ogg added. “This crime didn’t have to happen, and the lack of enforcement at our borders played a direct role in her death.”
The high-profile murders of Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, and nursing student Laken Riley have made illegal immigration a key issue in the 2024 presidential election. Riley’s killer was sentenced to life without parole in Georgia on November 20.
Ogg voiced her support for collaborating with President-elect Trump’s incoming “Border Czar,” Tom Homan, to address illegal immigration and prevent violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals.
“It’s about time we work with the border czar to stop violent criminals from crossing into our state, killing our citizens, and committing horrific acts,” Ogg said. “I’m hopeful that new policies and Senator Cruz’s legislation will bring about the changes we desperately need.”
The decision to pursue the death penalty underscores the severity of the crime and its impact on the community. Ogg stressed the importance of sending a strong message: “Regardless of who you are, but especially if you are here illegally, you will face the same consequences as anyone else for committing such atrocious crimes.”
As the case progresses, the focus remains on seeking justice for Jocelyn Nungaray and addressing the broader issues of border security and public safety.