Los Angeles, CA – Five members of the notorious international gang MS-13 have been convicted for participating in a series of violent crimes in Los Angeles County, including at least six gang-motivated murders.
The guilty verdicts were handed down by a federal jury on Monday, following a nine-week trial, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed.
Horrific Killings Across Los Angeles County
The victims, believed to be either members of rival gangs or MS-13 members who violated gang rules, were killed in stabbings, shootings, beatings, and strangulations. Several bodies were dumped in remote areas, including the Angeles National Forest, highlighting the brutality and calculated nature of the attacks.
Weapons used in these crimes included baseball bats, knives, and machetes, and crime scenes spanned areas such as Malibu, Van Nuys, and the Santa Clarita Valley. The DOJ described the murders as horrific and barbaric, carried out to increase the perpetrators’ status within the gang.
Convicted Gang Members and Charges
The convicted individuals include:
- Walter Chavez Larin, 26, of Panorama City – Guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of violent crimes in aid of murder
- Roberto Alejandro Corado Ortiz, 30, of Baldwin Park – Guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of violent crimes in aid of murder
- Edwin Martinez, 28, of Cypress Park – Guilty of RICO conspiracy and three counts of murder in aid of racketeering
- Bryan Alexander Rosales Arias, 28, of South Los Angeles – Guilty of murder in aid of racketeering
- Erick Eduardo Rosales Arias, 27, of South Los Angeles – Guilty of murder in aid of racketeering
The Rosales Arias brothers were also residents of South Los Angeles, and all five are expected to face life sentences during their upcoming sentencing next year, as per KTLA.
Notable Murders and Methods
Among the victims, one high-ranking MS-13 member was stabbed and hacked to death in June 2017, with his body abandoned in the Angeles National Forest. Another rival gang member was lured to a cliff, beaten, strangled, and thrown off the edge in October 2017.
In the summer of 2018, a gang member was shot in the back of the head at a Malibu scenic overlook, while Edwin Martinez was linked to three killings, including a December 2018 murder of a man mistakenly identified as a rival, a homeless man killed in January 2019, and a fellow MS-13 member who violated gang rules by abusing methamphetamine.
DOJ and Law Enforcement Statements
The convictions come as part of a broad investigation into MS-13 activity across Los Angeles. To date, prosecutors have secured 25 convictions, with more trials expected in April 2026.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli praised law enforcement efforts, stating, “MS-13 is a violent, brutal gang that must be eliminated from the United States, and we will not stop until we succeed in our mission.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna added that the convictions send a “powerful message” that violent crime has no place in Los Angeles County.
Community Impact and Safety
The convictions represent a significant step toward removing dangerous gang members from the streets and sending a message to rival gangs. Residents in affected neighborhoods are encouraged to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant to ensure public safety.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you believe law enforcement is doing enough to combat gang violence in Los Angeles? How can communities work together to prevent MS-13 and similar gangs from terrorizing neighborhoods? Comment below with your insights and experiences!
