Franklin Pena Ramos, a suspect charged with capital murder in the tragic death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, faced a judge on Monday morning where his bond was set at $10 million due to concerns about him fleeing. This decision came after the state requested a $5 million bond, while the defense sought a lower amount of $1 million.
During the hearing, prosecutors revealed that Pena Ramos, employed in construction, had allegedly asked his employer for money to leave town following the incident. “He was talking to his boss, who he works for in construction, asking for money because of what they did to get out of town,” explained prosecutor Megan Long.
Pena Ramos, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, had previously been denied bond along with his co-accused, 21-year-old Johan Martinez. Court documents provided disturbing details, suggesting the suspects lured Jocelyn under a bridge and spent over two hours with her before her tragic death. Her body was reportedly disposed of in a bayou.
Before these charges, Pena Ramos had been detained by Border Patrol in El Paso on May 28th, and Martinez was apprehended on March 14th, both being released shortly afterward. District Attorney Kim Ogg criticized the handling of their immigration cases, stating, “Our immigration system is broken and if it was ever a case that reflected that, it’s this one.”
Regarding potential penalties, officials clarified that Pena Ramos’s current charge does not carry the death penalty. However, District Attorney Kim Ogg noted, “As soon as our lab results are back, and if they support a death penalty eligible type of capital murder, then we’ll come back and ask for no bond.”
Alexis Nungaray, speaking on behalf of Jocelyn’s family, expressed their desire for justice: “She had such a bright future ahead of her, and I knew she was going to go very far. These monsters took that opportunity from her.”
Johan Martinez-Rangel, the second suspect in the case, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning.