Overview

• Judge Gary Brown imposed a 68-year term, two years less than the maximum 70 years sought by prosecutors.
• Saenz pleaded guilty in 2024 to ordering eight killings, including the machete slayings of Brentwood teens Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens.
• Prosecutors cited evidence of his continued MS-13 ties in custody, pointing to contraband cellphones, prison photos with gang members and assault infractions.
• Defense attorneys urged a 45-year term based on Saenz’s demonstrated remorse, intellectual disabilities and traumatic upbringing in El Salvador.
• Saenz also admitted to arson, firearms offenses and drug trafficking whose proceeds funded the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside clique’s operations.