HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — There are new developments in the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nunacre, who was found in a creek in north Houston, according to court documents.
Two men accused of killing 12-year-old Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, waived their right to appear in court Friday evening, authorities said.
RELATED: HPD believes 12-year-old girl may have left her home before she was found dead in creek
But the judge who was supposed to see them continued his court work. Before the trial, the district attorney’s office asked that their bond be set at $1 million each. But, they are not set. The magistrate did not take any decision to arrest the suspects.
When asked why the bond was not sought, the lawyers said that the District Collector should conduct an inquiry and produce evidence. However, sources tell ABC 13 the DA’s office still doesn’t want to release evidence to the defense.
A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that both suspects were from Venezuela and were in the country illegally. Border Patrol agents arrested them near El Paso, but issued an order to appear.
Both are said to be construction workers.
Court documents say the two men dragged Jocelyn under a bridge and held her there for two hours. Authorities said she was tied up, stripped and strangled.
A bystander found her body floating in a creek on Monday, police said.
Documents say the two asked Jocelyn for directions after meeting her on Kuykendall Road. Investigators believe the girl left her home around 10pm on Sunday.
After days of investigation, officers arrested the two men Thursday at Canfield Lakes Apartments, 13355 Northborough Drive.
See here: 12-year-old girl tied, strangled to death, pants removed, records allege
Court documents reveal details of how Jocelyn Nungere was dragged near a creek before she died. It was also revealed that the suspects were previously ICE detainees.
Jocelyn’s family said they were relieved the two men accused of murdering her were in custody.
For more news updates, follow Liliana Pearson Facebook, X And
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”