Authorities are investigating potential ties between the alleged murderers of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and the infamous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
According to the New York Post, search warrants reveal that Houston police and the Harris County District Attorney's Office are scrutinizing the TikTok accounts of Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21. The investigation aims to uncover possible connections to the violent prison gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Investigators have identified specific emojis and messages on the suspects' social media accounts that are believed to be associated with TdA gang membership. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the already tragic case of Jocelyn Nungaray's murder.
The search warrants have revealed several indicators that suggest the suspects may have ties to Tren de Aragua. Investigators found a series of emojis on one of the accounts—a ninja, cross sword, and building—which are reportedly used by gang members for identification purposes.
Additionally, a message was discovered that authorities believe was intended for TdA members both inside and outside the United States. The content of this message allegedly involved gang membership, further strengthening suspicions of the suspects' affiliations.
Visual evidence has also played a role in the investigation. A video believed to show Peña Ramos reveals tattoos – two stars and a rose – that are thought to be associated with Tren de Aragua. The clothing, shoes, and hand signals featured in some social media posts are also under scrutiny as potential signs of gang membership.
Both Peña Ramos and Rangel Martinez entered the United States illegally through the southern border. They were released into the country just weeks before the horrific murder of Jocelyn Nungaray.
The suspects have been indicted on capital murder charges for allegedly luring Jocelyn under a bridge in June, where they assaulted her for two hours before strangling her. The victim's body was found bound and stripped in a Houston bayou.
Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray, expressed her anguish and determination in light of these revelations. She stated:
It makes it seem more real that these people are monsters and that these are evil people who do heinous things, don't have a heart, who have no compassion for anybody. We really have no business burying our kids, they're supposed to bury us.
The investigation into the suspects' potential gang ties comes amid increasing concern about Tren de Aragua's activities in the United States. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently designated TdA as a terrorist organization, highlighting the gang's active presence in the state.
Abbott's action includes placing a $5,000 bounty on TdA members in Texas. The gang's presence has been particularly notable in the El Paso area, where 100 suspected members were apprehended during a single border crossing incident in March.
The gang's influence appears to be spreading beyond Texas. Authorities have linked TdA to criminal operations in several major cities, including New York, Chicago, and locations in Colorado. The gang has also been associated with a rise in sex trafficking across eight U.S. states. In a recent interview, Abbott stated:
This is all caused Biden and Harris opening the door to people from Venezuela, including gangs. There's no data that even the Biden administration has to consider whether people coming from Venezuela are gang members or not.
The investigation into the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray has taken a new turn with the potential gang connections of the suspects. Authorities are examining social media accounts and physical evidence for links to the Tren de Aragua gang. This case highlights the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration, border security, and the spread of international criminal organizations into the United States.
