Judge in Harris County modifies media restrictions for Jocelyn Nungary trial, responding to comments by ex-prosecutor.
Veiled Silence in Jocelyn Nungaray Case: Judge Tightens Gag Order
The high-profile murder case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray just took a dramatic turn. Judge Josh Hill has broadened a gag order to encompass former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
New Silence Rule in Jocelyn Nungaray's Horrifying Saga
Here's the skinny:
According to documentation from the Harris County District Clerk's Office, Judge Hill has signed a new order that extends to state prosecutors and any attorney with a stake in this heartrending case—past, present, or future.
The case specifically targets Franklin Peña, one of the two suspects who confessed to abducting, raping, and killing Jocelyn Nungaray.
The order prohibits those entangled in the case from disseminating or utilizing information gained through their office or employment that isn't already part of the court's public file or record. Such information cannot be shared for non-governmental purposes, offered for speculation about the case, or employed to help others speculate about the case.
The order further restricts anyone involved in the case from disclosing any details related to Peña's trial, including interactions with the press and social media posts on professional or personal accounts. Even court-approved public commentary concerning the defendants' prior criminal charges is off-limits.
This development follows Kim Ogg's interview with our website in May 2025, during which she revealed that Peña was accused of raping a woman before being apprehended in this gruesome case[4].
Ogg now faces a potential contempt hearing stemming from her discussions with various media outlets[4].
New Protective Order Looms Following Kim Ogg Interviews
After her revealing interviews on our website and FOX News, former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg could face a contempt hearing[4]. Jonathan Mejia of our website summarizes the events leading up to the expanded gag order.
What's Being Said:
"There is a substantial probability that continued interviews, public speaking, media and social media articles, postings, and/or comments on this case will likely prejudice one or both parties' right to a fair process as well as the right to a fair trial," the order states[4].
"The willingness of the parties and former attorneys and/or public servants to give interviews, conduct press conferences, have press releases, and/or independently post case events to any media outlet, including social media, only serve to increase the volume of pre-trial and in-trial publicity," it adds[4].
A Divulged Secret
Ogg allegedly revealed sensitive information that had not previously been made public, pertaining to Franklin Peña, one of the two Venezuelan nationals accused of the horrific crime[4]. She disclosed that Peña was accused of raping an American woman in Costa Rica and was detained by US border agents shortly before the murder[4].
Protecting the Process
The order was broadened to maintain the integrity of the legal proceedings and to avoid jeopardizing the case against the accused, who remain in custody and could face the death penalty if found guilty[4]. The order applies to former DA Ogg, along with those involved in the case, to ensure a fair trial and to avoid outside interference in the judicial process[1][4].
References:
- KHOU 11
- abc13.com
- texasmonthly.com
- Our Website
Enrichment Insights:
- This expanded gag order aims to avoid influencing the upcoming trial, given that Kim Ogg revealed sensitive information that had not been previously released, potentially prejudicing the case against Peña and his accomplice.
- It is also aimed at preserving the integrity of the judicial process and ensuring a fair trial for both defendants, who face the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
- The gag order in the Jocelyn Nungaray case has been expanded to include state prosecutors and any attorney with a stake in the case, following a revealing interview by former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg about the case on our website and FOX News.
- The expanded gag order aims to protect public safety and ensure policy-and-legislation by maintaining the integrity of the legal proceedings in the Jocelyn Nungaray case, to avoid jeopardizing the investigation and trial, and to ensure a fair and unbiased court decision.
- The order prohibits those entangled in the case, such as Kim Ogg, from sharing information gained through their office or employment that isn't already part of the court's public file or record, with the intention of preventing General News from speculation about the case and interference in the judicial process.
