HOUSTON — A GoFundMe campaign that's raising money for the family of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, the girl found dead in a north Houston creek earlier this week, has surpassed its goal of $35,000.
As of Saturday afternoon, the campaign has received more than $42,000 in donations to help the family pay for expenses related to Jocelyn's death. Additionally, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced at a public vigil on Friday that Houston businessman Jim McIngvale would be covering the funeral expenses for the family.
At the vigil, Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray, spoke about her daughter.
"She was goofy, had her own personality," Alexis said. "One of a kind. Trendsetter. Loved, loved animals."
Many at the vigil were wearing a "Forever 12" shirt to remember Jocelyn.
"I was looking forward to seeing how beautiful she was going to be," her mother said.
Men charged with capital murder in Jocelyn Nungaray's death
Two men have been arrested and charged in Jocelyn's death. Alexis was told about the arrests before the charges were made public.
Franklin Peña, 26, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, are both charged with charged with capital murder in her death. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the two "illegally entered the U.S. without inspection, parole or admission by a U.S. immigration officer on an unknown date and at an unknown location." ICE said they are being held on immigration detainers at the Harris County Jail.
Ramos and Martinez were scheduled to go before a judge Friday afternoon but waived their appearances. Both defendants are expected to appear in front of Judge Josh Hill in the 232nd District Court on Monday.