Jocelyn Nungaray's mother calls for justice for her daughter's murder as a case involving a Venezuelan gang comes to light

HOUSTON – Alexis Nungaray carries a poignant memento of her daughter, a locket with Jocelyn's hair and a pendant with her picture, as she promises to be a tireless voice for her daughter.

“Some days are better than others,” Nungaray said. “Some days I don’t cry, some days I only cry for five minutes, some days I cry every now and then.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: According to the search warrant, Jocelyn Nungaray's murder suspects are believed to be Venezuelan gang members

It has been nearly four months since Jocelyn's death captured the nation's attention. Recent court documents suggest that suspects Franklin Peña and Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, both Venezuelan natives and illegal immigrants, may be linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.

Nungaray told FOX 26 that confirming the suspects' involvement with a gang would solidify her understanding that her daughter's death was not just a tragic incident, but a targeted act of violence.

“It feels more real, and it gives me some kind of hope in this case because it really shows that if it was just proven that they have affiliation and are part of this organization, it would let everyone else know what they are.” what they did was intentional, what they did had a purpose. My daughter was unfortunately caught in the crossfire, in the wrong place at the wrong time, because she was someone who saw her as the perfect target, a young, pretty girl, and they are well known [Tren de Aragua gang members] for rape and killing and just heinous things,” Nungaray said.

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The unfortunate event was also carried into the political arena with references to Jocelyn's story in various campaign advertisements to highlight issues related to immigration and crime. Nungaray emphasized that she is not close to any political faction, but to those who work to protect children and prevent such tragedies in the future.

“This has become really political, and I know it seems like I'm advocating more for one side than the other, but I'm advocating for the side that wants to make change. I'm committed to the people who will make a difference.” “We want to make a difference and protect these children, we have lost too many children,” Nungaray said.

Nungaray said she fights for every child and doesn't want another family to go through what she endured with the loss of her daughter.

“Doing what I'm doing now gives me a purpose, it gives me a reason to do what I'm doing because there has to be a meaning for her not being here anymore. Her life was not in vain; “There had to be a reason,” she said.

Nungaray told FOX 26 that she visits her daughter's memorial once a month, but has never set foot on the bridge where her daughter was last known to be alive and fighting for her life.

“It still brings up a lot of different emotions in me. Walking across the bridge is always a scary feeling and always turns my stomach,” Nungaray said.

The suspects in the case are currently in custody, with Peña expected in court on October 30 and Rangel Martinez expected to appear on November 3. Both face $10 million bail while they await their respective hearings.