Protective Order Filed in Case of Texas 12-Year-Old Murdered by Illegal Migrants

The attorney of one of the illegal migrant suspects charged in the murder of Texas 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray has filed for a protective order to ensure a fair trial amidst negative media attention.

Two Venezuelan nationals, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, have been charged with capital murder in Nungaray’s death after she was found strangled in a Houston creek on June 17. The men reportedly crossed into the US illegally earlier this year.

Peña’s attorneys filed a protective order to prevent extrajudicial statements or information dissemination that could lead to undue prejudice during his trial. They argued that media attention could impact Peña’s right to a fair trial.

The filing referenced statements made by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, including calling the crime “horrific” and criticizing the broken immigration system. Peña’s attorneys believe these statements could prejudice the trial.

Nungaray’s murder has sparked calls for stronger border enforcement and accountability. Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, spoke out during Trump’s visit to the southern border, expressing her grief and frustration over the release of the suspects after their initial detention.

The case continues to unfold, with the family seeking justice for Jocelyn Nungaray and the defendants fighting for a fair trial amidst media scrutiny. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Peña’s attorney for further comments on the case.