
A high-ranking MS-13 gang member pleads guilty to seven brutal murders, signaling a potential turning point in the fight against gang violence in New York.
At a Glance
- Jairo Saenz, a top MS-13 member, admitted to seven murders and other crimes.
- Victims include two teenage girls whose 2016 deaths sparked national outrage.
- Saenz faces 40-60 years in prison under his plea agreement.
- The case is part of a broader effort to dismantle MS-13’s operations in New York.
MS-13 Leader Confesses to Brutal Killings
In a significant breakthrough against gang violence, Jairo Saenz, a high-ranking member of the notorious MS-13 gang, has pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges related to seven murders and other violent crimes. The confession, made in federal court in Central Islip, New York, marks a crucial step in dismantling the gang’s grip on Long Island communities.
Saenz, who served as second-in-command to his brother Alexi in the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside clique, admitted to a string of heinous crimes that terrorized Brentwood and Central Islip. The murders he confessed to include those of Michael Johnson, Oscar Acosta, Kayla Cuevas, Nisa Mickens, Javier Castillo, Dewann Stacks, and Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. These killings, along with three attempted murders, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses, paint a grim picture of MS-13’s reign of terror.
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 Teenage Victims
The 2016 murders of high school students Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas brought national attention to MS-13’s brutality. The gang’s use of machetes and baseball bats in their attacks shocked the nation and led to calls for stronger action against gang violence. Former President Donald Trump highlighted these murders, attributing them to lax immigration policies and advocating for harsher penalties for gang members.
“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
The guilty plea brings some closure to the victims’ families, though many express dissatisfaction with the plea deal. George Johnson, father of one of the victims, stated, “It was some justice, but not what I wanted,” reflecting the sentiment of those who hoped for a life sentence.
Implications for MS-13 and Law Enforcement
Saenz’s confession is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against MS-13. The gang, known for its extreme violence, has maintained a strong presence on Long Island, engaging in various criminal activities. This case is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target MS-13 members, which has resulted in numerous convictions since 2003.
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach demonstrates the commitment of federal, state, and local authorities to combating organized crime and gang violence. Under his plea agreement, Saenz faces a sentence of 40 to 60 years in prison, a significant term that may deter other gang members and disrupt MS-13’s operations.
As the justice system continues its efforts to dismantle MS-13, this guilty plea serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating gang violence and the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement cooperation in ensuring public safety.
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