Illegal immigrant suspect in Jocelyn Nungaray's murder now accused of prior sexual assault in Costa Rica

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg revealed that one of the suspects charged in the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray is now accused of raping an American woman in Costa Rica.

The suspects, Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, both Venezuelan illegal immigrants with possible ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, are facing charges in the murder of the 12-year-old girl in June 2024. The indictment alleges that they sexually assaulted and strangled the victim before leaving her body tied up in a bayou in Houston.

According to Ogg, before her successor Sean Teare took over as District Attorney, she discovered during her investigation that Pena Ramos had been implicated in a previous sexual assault case involving an American woman in Costa Rica while she was reportedly on vacation.

“It happened in Costa Rica. It happened to an American citizen who came forward with that information after their pictures were shown on national television,” Ogg told the outlet. “When she reported it to the authorities in Costa Rica, they did nothing. Imagine the frustration of that individual. I don’t want that to be swept under the carpet.” 

“I support immigration, but I say there’s just a right way and a wrong way to do it,” she explained. “He’s protecting the people, and he’s taking consideration to the people, us the citizens and making sure we’re safe and our kids are safe, women are safe, that we’re all safe in our communities.”

“We’ve still got a long way to go,” she went on. “But 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.”

Pena Ramos illegally crossed into El Paso, Texas, in May 2024, sources with the Department of Homeland Security previously confirmed to Fox News. He was caught by Border Patrol agents and was released into the U.S. with a Notice to Appear in court. 

Rangel Martinez also crossed illegally into El Paso in March and was caught by Border Patrol. He was released into the U.S. on an unknown basis. 

Jocelyn had been at a convenience store and was talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone after sneaking out of her family’s apartment. The boyfriend told investigators that he could hear Nungaray talking with two people. 

Fox News’ Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
The subtle red flags that 'disturbed' Hugh Jackman's ex... now she knows the truth was hiding in plain sight

Discovering the Hidden Signs That Raised Concern for Hugh Jackman’s Ex, Revealing the Truth

Hugh Jackman’s new lover Sutton Foster attempted to befriend his wife in…
Migrants sent to notorious El Salvador prison must get a chance to challenge their deportation, judge rules

Judge rules migrants deported to infamous El Salvador prison must have opportunity to contest their removal

A federal judge has ruled that the White House must give migrants…
Trump signs bombshell travel ban restricting people from 19 countries from entering the US

Trump enforces significant travel restrictions preventing individuals from 19 countries from entering the United States

President Donald Trump is enacting a ban that prohibits visitors from 12…
Comer Goes After Biden's Doctor as Trump Orders Investigation Into Biden Decline/Autopen Scandal

Comer Targets Biden’s Physician as Trump Calls for Probe into Biden Decline/Autopen Controversy

The House is currently investigating the alleged cognitive decline of President Biden…
Critical witness puts case against Karen Read 'on life support,' lawyer says

Key witness weakens case against Karen Read, according to lawyer

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Karen Read’s defense team…
Paige DeSorbo Finally Reveals Why Craig Conover Was Told To Leave Amanda Batula And Kyle Cooke’s Wedding: “He Acted Like An Entitled Brat”

Paige DeSorbo Explains Why Craig Conover Was Asked to Leave Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke’s Wedding: “Described as Acting Entitled”

Paige DeSorbo has disclosed the details of what happened at Amanda Batula…
Agroterrorism Fungus Smuggling Threatens Food Security

The risk of food security is increasing due to the smuggling of harmful fungi in agroterrorism situations

Last Updated on June 4, 2025 On June 3, 2025, the Justice…
15-year-old boy charged in Joliet shooting death of 13-year-old boy on Desplaines Street: police

Police: 15-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing 13-year-old boy on Desplaines Street in Joliet

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection…
Burchett Drops Good News on DOGE Bills, EOs; Decimates Guy Who Asks 'Gotcha' Medicaid Question

Burchett Shares Positive Updates on DOGE Legislation and Executive Orders; Shuts Down Person inquiring About Medicaid in Dramatic Fashion

I admire Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) for making it a priority to…
Why Friends star left Hollywood after making history with first lesbian wedding on network television

The reason Friends actor quit the movie industry after groundbreaking lesbian wedding on TV.

Actress Jane Sibbett, known for her role as Carol Willick on Friends,…
‘Snowfall’ Spin-off: Cast, Release Date, and Everything Else We Know

What We Know About the ‘Snowfall’ Spin-off: Cast, Release Date, and More

Snowfall fans are getting closer to a spin-off. In 2023, Deadline reported…
Ground beef sold at Whole Foods may be tainted with E. coli, USDA says

USDA reports potential E. coli contamination in ground beef from Whole Foods.

Officials from the U.S. agriculture sector are cautioning that ground beef sold…