Prosecutors in Texas are seeking the death penalty for two illegal immigrants from Venezuela accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Ningre in June.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, a Democrat, told Fox & Friends on Friday that his office is now seeking the death penalty for 26-year-old Franklin Pena and 22-year-old Johan Martinez-Rangell, who were charged in September An indictment was filed. Charges of capital murder In connection with the killing of Nangre
Pena and Rangel abducted Nangare and strangled her to death, the documents said. The two are also accused of sexually assaulting her before dumping her body under the bridge. Officials said that both suspects Entered the United States illegally. Shortly before the murder.
A search warrant later revealed that the men were possibly members of the Bloodhounds. Group of Venezuela Tren de Aragua.
“We will be filing notice with the state of Texas that we intend to seek the death penalty against Jocelyn’s killers,” Ogg said.
“We’re looking for death because we want to get the message out there that no matter who you are, but especially if you’re in this country illegally, you have to face the same consequences as anyone else. A child will be punished for killing during rape.”
Ogg said he spoke with Nangre’s parents before deciding to seek the death penalty.
“We base these decisions on the evidence and the seriousness of this crime and yes I have spoken with Alexis Ningre with his father numerous times,” Ogg said.
“His family has supported this move. We don’t choose victims, our prosecutors determine what is most likely. [to succeed]. But we feel that a Texas jury will convict both defendants based on the evidence we have of death.
Jocelyn left her mother’s apartment to get a soda at a convenience store on the evening of June 16, when prosecutors say the suspects lured her out of the store and kidnapped her.
12-year-old Jocelyn Ningre was strangled to death in a Houston creek in June of this year. (Courtesy of Focus Houston, Ningre Family)
Jocelyn Ningray murder: Houston prosecutors seek Snow, CBP records on child murder charges
“In this case, the defendant lured a 12-year-old girl under a bridge where he and his co-defendant stayed with her for an extended period of time. [two] For hours, he took off his pants, tied them up, And killed himthen dumped her body in the bayou,” Assistant District Attorney Michael Abner wrote in June.
The gruesome killing shocked the nation when Nongray’s mother testified before the House Homeland Security Committee in September about the impact of illegal immigrant crimes on American citizens.
Nangre told the committee that the accused threw her daughter off the bridge thinking that the drain below would wash away her DNA.
“Because of the open border, catch and release policies of the Biden-Harris administration, they were included in the Alternative for Detention Program,” Nongray told lawmakers. “That meant he was released into the United States. It wasn’t even three weeks before he would take my daughter Jocelyn Ningre’s life.
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Photo by Phool and Jocelyn Nangre (Getty Images)
Ogg also took a swipe at the insecure border under the Biden-Harris administration on Friday.
“Democrat policies of open borders have failed the American people. If the Justice for Jocelyn Act filed by Senator Ted Cruz or any of the policies that President-elect Trump is pushing were enacted, Jocelyn Ningre is likely to be alive. These types of heinous crimes by illegal immigrants crossing our borders today must be stopped.
“Jocelyn’s family is in a position they never dreamed would happen to them, and I think it’s an injustice to any child to commit such horrific crimes. Be a victim of criminals who don’t need to be. If it wasn’t for that partner, Jocelyn would be alive.”
“Crime ain’t no party, let’s take ’em.”
Fox News’ Pilar Arias, Audrey Conklin and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.