An attorney representing one of the illegal migrant suspects charged in the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Texas has filed for a protective order to ensure a fair trial amidst intense media scrutiny.
The suspects, two Venezuelan nationals aged 21 and 26, were charged with capital murder after Nungaray was found strangled in a Houston creek in June. They had crossed into the U.S. illegally earlier this year.
The protective order aims to prevent extrajudicial statements or information dissemination by parties involved, law enforcement, or court personnel through public communications, citing concerns of undue prejudice affecting the trial.
The filing highlighted statements made by the Harris County District Attorney, expressing concerns that such remarks could bias the community against the defendant.
The victim's mother, Alexis Nungaray, has called for stronger border enforcement and accountability following her daughter's tragic death, emphasizing that the suspects should not have been released after initial detention.
She lamented the loss of her daughter and the impact on her family, noting the challenges of moving forward with her son without his sister.
The case has sparked debates on immigration policies and border security, with calls for justice and reform in light of the tragic incident.
Efforts to ensure a fair trial for the defendants continue amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.