New search warrants obtained in the case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s murder reveal that the two men accused of killing her, Franklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel, may be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Pena, 26, and Rangel, 22, were indicted last month on capital murder charges for kidnapping Nungaray, causing her death by applying pressure to her neck, sexually assaulting her, and leaving her body under a bridge. The new search warrants, filed in the District Court of Harris County and obtained by FOX 26 Houston, show that the men’s alleged gang ties were discovered through their social media accounts.
It was found that Rangel’s TikTok account featured ninja, crossed swords, and classical building emojis typically associated with Tren de Aragua. Investigators also observed a video of Rangel wearing Jordans and Gucci, brands commonly linked to the gang. Pena’s TikTok account displayed tattoos known to be affiliated with the gang, such as a star on each shoulder and a rose tattoo on his hand. He was also seen in video footage wearing Air Jordan and Chicago Bulls brand clothing. The search warrants detail how the men allegedly used multiple social media applications and accounts to communicate with gang members about gang activities.
The search warrants now request further data from the suspects’ phones and social media accounts in hopes of finding more evidence to connect them to the capital murder charge. Rangel is scheduled to appear in court on November 11 for the case. The investigation into the alleged gang involvement of Pena and Rangel sheds light on the complexity of the case and the possible motivations behind Nungaray’s tragic death. The search for justice in this heartbreaking incident continues, with law enforcement officials digging deeper into the backgrounds of the accused individuals.
The revelation of the men’s potential gang affiliation adds a new layer of complexity to the case, as it raises questions about the motivations behind Nungaray’s murder and the extent of the alleged gang involvement. The search warrants point to a pattern of behavior exhibited by Pena and Rangel, indicating possible ties to the Tren de Aragua gang through their social media accounts and clothing choices. The investigation into the case continues to unfold, with law enforcement officials seeking additional evidence to strengthen the capital murder charges against the accused individuals.
The tragic death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray has shocked the community and sparked a renewed push for justice in her case. The alleged gang involvement of the two men accused of her murder, Franklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel, has added a new dimension to the investigation, shedding light on potential motives and connections in the crime. As the search for justice continues, law enforcement officials are working diligently to gather more evidence and build a strong case against the suspects. The upcoming court appearance of Rangel on November 11 will likely bring further developments in the case and potentially provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding Nungaray’s tragic death. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for the young victim and her family.
