Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Friday morning 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 heinous crime. Speaking with “Fox and Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones, Ogg outlined 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.”
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Ogg strongly criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, claiming Jocelyn’s murder was preventable.
“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, aims to strengthen border security measures and expand detention requirements for individuals entering the country illegally. Ogg highlighted how 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.”
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The high-profile murders of Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, and nursing student Laken Riley have elevated illegal immigration as a central issue in the 2024 presidential election. Riley’s killer was sentenced to life without parole in Georgia on November 20.
Ogg expressed her support for working 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.”
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The decision to pursue the death penalty underscores the gravity of the crime and its impact on the community. Ogg emphasized 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 moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Jocelyn Nungaray and addressing the broader implications of border security and public safety.
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