Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Friday morning that she will seek the death penalty for two undocumented Venezuelan immigrants accused of the brutal rape and murder of 12-year-old Joselyn Nungaray.
Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, were arrested in June and charged with the heinous crime. Ogg spoke with “Fox & Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones to outline his decision to seek the maximum penalty under Texas law.
“We plan to file a notice with the State of Texas of our intent to seek the death penalty against Jocelyn’s murderers, Mr. Pena and Mr. Rangel,” Ogg said. “Both men, both Venezuelan nationals, entered this country illegally and within days committed the horrific act of raping and murdering Jocelyn Nungaray. The heinous nature of this crime warrants the death penalty. .”
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Ogg strongly criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, arguing that Jocelyn’s killing was preventable.
“The Democratic Party’s policy of open borders has failed the American people,” Ogg said. “Had the Justice for Jocelyn Act, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, or the policies advocated by President-elect Trump, been in place, Jocelyn would probably still be alive today.”
The Jocelyn Justice Act, proposed by Senator Cruz, aims to strengthen border security measures and expand detention requirements for illegal immigrants. Mr Ogg stressed that stricter enforcement could have prevented the tragedy.
“If these people had been detained as they deserved, Jocelyn would still be here,” Ogg added. “This crime was not inevitable and the lack of enforcement at the border had a direct impact on her death.”
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The high-profile murders of Jocelyn Nangaray, Rachel Morin, and nursing student Laken Riley have made illegal immigration a central issue in the 2024 presidential election. Riley’s killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole on November 20 in Georgia.
Ogg expressed support for working with President-elect Trump’s next “border czar,” Tom Homan, to address illegal immigration and prevent violent crimes committed by illegal aliens.
“It’s time to work with border czars to stop violent criminals from entering our state, killing our people, and committing horrific acts,” Ogg said. “I am hopeful that the new policies and Sen. Cruz’s bill will bring about the change we so desperately need.”
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The decision to seek the death penalty highlights the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the community. Ogg emphasized the importance of sending a strong message. “No matter who you are, especially if you are in the country illegally, you will face the same consequences as anyone else who commits a heinous crime like this.”
As the case progresses, the focus will continue to be on securing justice for Jocelyn Nungarai and addressing the broader implications for border security and public safety.
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