Federal
Federal immigration enforcement U.S. Border Patrol (El Paso sector)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Case on record
- 1
- Ended in a killing
- 1
- Prior arrests across these defendants
- 2
Background
Border Patrol apprehended Johan Martinez-Rangel in March 2024 and Franklin Pena Ramos in May 2024 after each illegally entered the US near El Paso. Both were released on an Order of Recognizance with a Notice to Appear in immigration court — a federal release decision. Three weeks after Pena's release, the two men kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston.
Cases on record
16
days after release
Murder in Houston, Texas
Jocelyn Nungaray, 12
Released June 1, 2024. Terms: Order of Recognizance with Notice to Appear.
Jocelyn's body was found in a creek under a bridge in north Houston. Surveillance footage showed the two men walking with her for hours before the killing. Court documents allege she was tied up, her pants removed, and she was strangled. Both held on $10 million bond by Judge Josh Hill, who called the flight risk 'astronomical.'