The two 'persons of interest' for the strangulation of 12-year old Jocelyn Nungaray, have been arrested and charged with capital murder.
And multiple sources have now confirmed to KTRH that the two suspects both entered the U.S. illegally.
Fox News reported that Franklin Jose Pena Ramos illegally crossed into El Paso, in May, sources with the Department of Homeland Security 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. Johan Jose 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.
An ICE Spokesperson told KTRH, "On June 20, officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston lodged immigration detainers with the Harris County (Texas) Jail on Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, both illegally present Venezuelan nationals, following their arrest for capital murder.
Martinez and Pena both illegally entered the U.S. without inspection, parole or admission by a U.S. immigration officer on an unknown date and at an unknown location. On March 14, Martinez was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas. That same day he was released on an order of recognizance with a notice to appear. Pena was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 28 near El Paso. He was also released on an order of recognizance with a notice to appear the same day he was apprehended."
HPD and Mayor Whitmire made the announcement at a joint news conference, with the official details of the suspects set to come from HSI.
"It's sad, it's outrageous, and it makes you angry" Mayor Whitmire said, "But we're going to court with these individuals, and will hold them accountable.
HPD officials could also not confirm at this time whether or not a sexual assault had taken place.
Earlier, the medical examiner released the identity of the 12-year old girl who was found dead in a north Houston creek.
Jocelyn Nungaray was strangled to death following an investigation by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Her body was found on Monday morning.
Police say that the investigation is still on-going.
According to investigators, the two men entered the store by themselves and crossed paths with the girl there. No further details about the men have been released.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire made a statement on the case saying, "We should not have to worry about 12-year-olds being raped and murdered in the City of Houston. Horrible.”
Anyone with information on the identities of the two persons of interest or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.