MS-13 Leaders Plead Guilty to Nine Murders in NYC Suburbs

Three high-ranking gang members face decades in federal prison for brutal killings carried out to assert dominance and expand their influence.

Kevin Torres, David Sosa-Guevara, and Victor Lopez-Morales admitted to orchestrating nine murders in Long Island and Maryland between 2016 and 2017.
The killings, involving machetes and firearms, targeted suspected rival gang members and were carried out in secluded areas, with victims buried in shallow graves.
Prosecutors revealed the murders were committed to enhance the defendants' status within MS-13 and further the gang's mission of territorial control.
Under plea agreements, Torres and Sosa-Guevara face up to 65 years in prison, while Lopez-Morales could serve up to 60 years; all face a minimum of 40 years.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the brutality of the crimes and hailed the guilty pleas as a significant step toward reducing gang violence in the region.