The family of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Texas who was allegedly murdered by two Venezuelan nationals who had entered the United States illegally, has expressed their gratitude for former President Donald Trump’s support. This sentiment comes after Trump personally reached out to Jocelyn’s mother just minutes before taking the debate stage against President Joe Biden.
Jocelyn’s tragic death has stirred emotions and brought national attention to the issues surrounding illegal immigration and border security. Her grandfather, Kelvin Alvarenga, voiced his appreciation for Trump’s gesture during an interview. “With former President Trump reaching out, my blessings to him and God bless him,” Alvarenga stated. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Jocelyn’s name beyond the political landscape, insisting that her memory should not be reduced to a political talking point.
The horrific incident unfolded last month when Jocelyn was allegedly lured below a bridge in Houston, sexually assaulted, and then strangled to death by the suspects, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 21, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26. Both men had entered the U.S. illegally earlier this year, as confirmed by border patrol officials.
The gruesome details of Jocelyn’s murder have shocked the local community and the nation. During the debate, Trump referenced her case, highlighting the broader issue of immigration and border security. He described her murder as “horrible” and used it to underscore his criticism of President Biden’s immigration policies. “I just spoke to the mother, and they just had the funeral for this girl, 12 years old. This is horrible what’s happened,” Trump said during the debate.
While grateful for the attention brought to their plight, Jocelyn’s family has expressed mixed feelings about her case being used in political discourse. Alvarenga mentioned that he did not want Jocelyn to be used as a “political base.” Instead, he wants people to remember her name and the bright future she represented. “I want them to know her name as well,” he said.
The family’s grief is compounded by their belief that Jocelyn’s death was a direct consequence of the current border policies. Her grandmother lamented that open borders contributed to the tragedy. However, Alvarenga clarified that his focus is not on the nationality of the suspects but on the moral distinction between right and wrong. “Good is good, and bad is bad,” he said.
The legal proceedings against Martinez-Rangel and Peña Ramos are underway, with both suspects facing capital murder charges. If found guilty of sexual assault, they could face the death penalty. However, Jocelyn’s family has voiced their opposition to the death penalty, preferring that the suspects live with the consequences of their actions. “I’d rather for them to remember this in [a prison’s] general population,” Alvarenga stated. “Life without parole. That way, they can remember every night when they go to bed the horrific deal that they did to our family.”
In addition to the ongoing legal battle, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced plans to introduce “Jocelyn’s Law” in the Texas Senate. This proposed legislation would deny bail for capital murder suspects, a move that Alvarenga supports. He expressed his gratitude towards Patrick, saying, “God bless Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.”
Jocelyn’s aspirations were cut short by the tragedy, but her family is determined to honor her memory and ensure that her dreams live on. “She would always say that she wanted to be a superstar, and so I think that we need to continue on her dream and, under the circumstances, which are not the greatest, she will become a superstar,” Alvarenga said. “She was already a star in our lives, and now we’re going to make it worldwide.”
The devastating impact of Jocelyn’s death is felt deeply by her immediate family. Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, is struggling with the loss of her daughter while also trying to support Jocelyn’s younger brother. Melfri Vargas, Jocelyn’s grandmother, shared the difficulty of explaining Jocelyn’s absence to her younger brother. “He asks when is he going to see Cici. We try to explain the best way we can to a little one; it’s not easy,” Vargas said.
As the suspects await their next court appearance in September, the family continues to navigate their grief and the media attention surrounding the case. Martinez-Rangel and Peña Ramos are held on a $10 million bond each.
The case of Jocelyn Nungaray has sparked a broader conversation about immigration policies and the safety of communities affected by illegal immigration. Trump’s mention of Jocelyn during the debate and his outreach to her family have brought national focus to the tragic consequences that can arise from lapses in border security.
In the wake of this tragedy, Jocelyn’s family is determined to keep her memory alive and advocate for changes that might prevent similar incidents in the future. They hope that sharing Jocelyn’s story can bring about greater awareness and action to protect other families from experiencing such heartache.
The suspects, if convicted, will face justice in the court of law, but for Jocelyn’s family, the journey towards healing and remembering Jocelyn as more than a victim continues. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of political and social issues and the enduring strength of a family determined to honor their beloved Jocelyn.
The family hopes that Jocelyn’s tragic story will not only shed light on the dangers of current immigration policies but also inspire legislative and societal changes that prioritize the safety and security of all citizens. They are advocating for stricter immigration controls and laws that ensure individuals who pose a threat to public safety are not allowed to enter or remain in the country.
Additionally, they are calling for better support systems for families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes. Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis, has expressed the need for more resources and assistance for grieving families, including counseling and community support. The family believes that by sharing their story, they can help other families navigate the aftermath of similar tragedies and find solace in the support of their communities.
The broader implications of Jocelyn’s case are not lost on her family. They understand that her story is part of a larger narrative about immigration, public safety, and the responsibilities of the government to protect its citizens. They hope that by keeping Jocelyn’s memory alive and advocating for change, they can contribute to a safer and more just society.
As the legal process unfolds, Jocelyn’s family remains steadfast in their commitment to justice and remembrance. They attend court hearings, speak to the media, and engage with community leaders to ensure that Jocelyn’s story is not forgotten. Their resilience and dedication serve as a powerful testament to their love for Jocelyn and their determination to honor her life.
The tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray has brought national attention to the issues of illegal immigration and public safety. Former President Trump’s support and the proposed “Jocelyn’s Law” have highlighted the need for legislative changes to prevent similar tragedies. Jocelyn’s family is committed to keeping her memory alive and advocating for a safer future for all citizens. Their story reminds them of the innocent lives affected by political and social issues and the enduring strength of families in the face of unimaginable loss.
