HOUSTON – The family of Jocelyn Nungaray held a candlelight vigil to honor the 12-year-old girl whose life was senselessly taken.
The vigil took place from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday night near the area where the girl’s body was found Monday morning.
As candles flickered and tearful hugs were exchanged, Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, wore a shirt that read “Forever 12.”
“I was looking forward to seeing how beautiful she was gonna grow up to be,” Alexis said. “I know God is real, I know God is good and [whoever killed her] will feel God’s wrath.”
The two men suspected of carrying out the murder are in police custody. Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena, 26, have each been charged with capital murder. They are scheduled to appear in court for the first time Monday morning.
- READ THE FULL TIMELINE: Significant events surrounding death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray
Investigators believe they asked Jocelyn for directions and lured her to a nearby bridge. Once there, they are accused of tying her up, removing her pants and strangling her. They then threw her body into the bayou beneath the bridge in an attempt to remove DNA evidence.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and HPD Interim Police Chief Larry Satterwhite were in attendance at the vigil.
After learning that the suspects are Venezuelan nationals illegally residing in the United States, the mayor called on Congress and the Biden Administration to come up with a fail-proof immigration system.
“[The suspects] had been apprehended and then released. That’s a broken system, and it leads to tragedies when you add a criminal element. As we’re witnessing this week. So, I will be speaking out that Congress needs to do its job and prevent these tragedies.”
Now, Alexis is calling on the justice system to hold her daughter’s killers accountable.
“Please don’t fail us,” she said. “Please don’t let us down.”
Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale also appeared at the vigil to show his support. He will be covering Jocelyn’s funeral expenses.
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