
A high-ranking MS-13 gang member pleads guilty to seven murders, marking a significant breakthrough in the legal battle against the notorious gang.
At a Glance
- Jairo Saenz, a top MS-13 member, admitted guilt in federal racketeering charges linked to seven murders.
- The crimes include the high-profile 2016 killings of two teenage girls in Long Island.
- Saenz faces 40 to 60 years in prison under his plea agreement.
- The case is part of a broader effort to dismantle MS-13’s violent network across the United States.
MS-13 Leader Confesses to Brutal Killings
In a pivotal moment for federal authorities, Jairo Saenz, a high-ranking member of the MS-13 gang, has pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges related to seven murders and other violent crimes. The admission came in federal court in Central Islip, New York, before Judge Gary R. Brown, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against one of America’s most violent street gangs.
Saenz’s guilty plea encompasses a shocking list of crimes, including the murders of Michael Johnson, Oscar Acosta, Kayla Cuevas, Nisa Mickens, Javier Castillo, Dewann Stacks, and Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. Additionally, he admitted to involvement in three attempted murders, arson, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and a conspiracy to kill Marcus Bohannon.
Man pleads guilty in string of MS-13 killings that stunned New York suburbs https://t.co/A7IgmlUc2z
— KX News (@KXMB) January 15, 2025
Justice for Victims’ Families
The case gained national attention following the 2016 murders of high school girls Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, which sparked outrage and heightened awareness of MS-13’s threat to American communities. These brutal killings became a rallying point for stricter immigration policies and intensified law enforcement efforts against the gang.
“Today, Jairo Saenz pleaded guilty to seven murders that can only be described as barbaric, and multiple acts of senseless gang violence that had turned parts of Long Island into a war zone, with MS-13 gang members wielding guns, machetes, bats and fire that threatened the safety of our communities” – Acting United States Attorney Pokorny
While the guilty plea brings some closure, victims’ families expressed mixed feelings about the outcome. George Johnson, father of one of the victims, stated, “It was some justice, but not what I wanted,” reflecting the desire for a life sentence rather than the 40 to 60 years Saenz faces under his plea agreement.
MS-13’s Reign of Terror
Saenz, originally from El Salvador, was the second-in-command of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside clique, a subset of MS-13 that terrorized Brentwood and Central Islip on Long Island. The gang’s brutality was evident in their use of machetes and baseball bats in attacks, including the murders of Mickens and Cuevas.
“I did these things and I knew they were wrong” – Jairo Saenz
This admission from Saenz underscores the cold-blooded nature of MS-13’s operations. The gang’s hierarchy encouraged violence as a means of advancement, with Saenz and his brother, Alexi, ordering or approving killings to climb the ranks within the organization.
Ongoing Fight Against MS-13
The prosecution of Saenz is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target MS-13 members, resulting in numerous convictions since 2003. This case, conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, involved multiple law enforcement agencies working in concert to dismantle the gang’s network.
As families of victims grapple with their loss, law enforcement officials hope this guilty plea will bring some solace and demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating MS-13’s presence in American communities. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating gang violence and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting our neighborhoods from such threats.
Sources:
- High-Ranking MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Seven Murders, Multiple Attempted Murders, Arson and Firearms Offenses
- Man pleads guilty in string of MS-13 killings that stunned New York suburbs
- Man pleads guilty in string of MS-13 killings that stunned New York suburbs