One of the illegal migrants accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray is believed to be the son of a former Venezuelan official who is an avid backer of the country’s socialist president, according to a report.
Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, along with accomplice Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, allegedly strangled the preteen in Houston last month, authorities said. She had been sexually assaulted before her gruesome death, the city’s Forensic Science Center confirmed .
Martinez-Rangel, who was arrested last month, is reportedly the son of Nazareth Rangel Palacios, an ex-councilwoman who is part of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, according to the Daily Mail.
Palacios is also a supporter of President Nicolas Maduro , the outlet reported.
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The South American country’s electoral registry shows Martinez-Rangel and Rangel Palacios share the same address in San Juan de Los Morros, according to the Daily Mail. A childhood friend also reportedly confirmed his identity when contacted by the outlet.