Jocelyn Nungaray GoFundMe exceeds its goal

HOUSTON — A GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, found dead in a north Houston creek earlier this week, has exceeded its goal of $35,000.

As of Saturday morning, the campaign had received more than $41,000 in donations to help the family pay for expenses related to Jocelyn’s death. Additionally, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Friday at a public vigil that Houston businessman Jim McIngvale would cover the family’s funeral expenses.

At the vigil, Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, spoke about her daughter.

“She was goofy, she had her own personality,” Alexis said. “One of a kind. Trend setter. Loved, loved animals.”

Many people at the vigil wore a “Forever 12” shirt in memory of Jocelyn.

“I couldn’t wait to see how beautiful she was going to look,” her mother said.

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with Jocelyn’s death. Alexis was informed of the arrests before the accusations were made public.

Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 22, are both charged with capital murder in her death. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the two men “entered the United States illegally without inspection, parole, or admission by a U.S. immigration officer on an unknown date and at an unknown location.” ICE said they were being held by immigrant detainees at the Harris County Jail.

Ramos and Martinez were scheduled to appear before a judge Friday afternoon, but waived their appearance. Both defendants are expected to appear Monday before Judge Josh Hill in the 232nd District Court.