HOUSTON, TX – New revelations have surfaced in the tragic murder case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose body was discovered under a bridge in North Houston over three months ago. Court documents now suggest her alleged killers may have ties to a notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, raising concerns about the gang’s potential foothold in Texas.
Authorities arrested Franklin Pena and Yohan Martinez Rango, both of whom reportedly entered the United States illegally from Venezuela, shortly after the discovery of Nungaray’s body. The two are now facing charges of capital murder, and investigators suspect they are affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a gang notorious for its violent crimes, including murder, rape, and trafficking.
Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, expressed shock at the recent developments, having been a vocal advocate for immigration reform in the wake of her daughter’s death. She has turned her grief into a mission for justice, determined to see changes that prevent such tragedies from happening to other families.
Investigators uncovered potential gang connections through the suspects’ social media activity. Symbols and messages found on their TikTok accounts, such as specific emojis and coded phrases, are believed to be identifiers used by Tren de Aragua members. Videos posted by Pena also show him traveling on a migrant train, which coincided with the timeline of their illegal entry into the U.S.
Texas authorities, including the Department of Public Safety, are actively working to curb the influence of Tren de Aragua in the state. Director Steve McCraw emphasized the need for aggressive action to prevent the gang from establishing a presence in local communities, comparing their spread to an infestation that must be stopped.
In a bid to aid the investigation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of any gang members involved in criminal activities within the state. Both Pena and Martinez Rango remain in custody, each held on a $10 million bond as the search for further evidence continues.
The case has captured national attention, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance against transnational criminal organizations. The Nungaray family, along with law enforcement, hopes that justice for Jocelyn will bring some measure of peace and prevent future tragedies.