Five members of the notorious MS-13 gang have been implicated in a chilling incident involving the murder of two of their own on Long Island, according to federal prosecutors. It appears these gang members were feeling the heat from both rival gangs and law enforcement, prompting their drastic actions.
In a particularly grim case, gang members strangled Yoneli Ramos Moreno in Kings Park last year. The murder, tragic in its execution, was reportedly linked to the rival Latin Kings gang, as noted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Adding a layer of complexity, Carlos Lopez, one of the individuals involved in Moreno’s murder, himself became a victim of violence likely due to suspicions of betrayal within his own ranks.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocera stated, “It’s hard to convey the sheer brutality of the crimes committed by this MS-13 gang, which included beating, strangling, and ultimately murdering both Ramos Moreno and Lopez.” He emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to dismantle groups like MS-13, aiming to rid Long Island of their presence.
The five accused members are identified as David “Tenebroso” Orellana Aleman, 27 years old; Noel “Discrete” Portillo-Romero, 27; Cruz Eduardo “Poison” Sanchez-Gutierrez, 29; Ernesto “Perverso” Torres-Hernandez, 26; and Omar “Little Ejekuz” Zabaraventra, 27. They are currently in federal custody without the option for bail.
Details indicate that Moreno was lured to a parking lot on October 28, 2023. From there, he was taken to a more secluded area in Sunken Meadow, where he was strangled to death.
The implications of this rivalry and violence extend beyond Moreno. Lopez, suspected of collaborating with authorities, was killed on March 3 of this year as internal disputes surfaced.
In addition to murder charges, these individuals are also facing accusations related to drug trafficking.
The federal government has classified them as part of the MS-13 Hollywood and Carlington “Cleek.” MS-13 is notorious for its violent reputation, stemming from Central American roots with a strong presence in the U.S., including regions like Long Island.
The gang is known for its brutal tactics, often employing machetes in their attacks and quickly turning against their own whenever the hint of disloyalty arises.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina remarked that the indictment of these five men is a clear signal of the commitment to hold them accountable for their violent acts, emphasizing the insidious nature of their crimes.
Portilla-Romero, Sanchez-Gutierrez, and Torres-Hernandez were all arrested recently and are now awaiting legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Orellana-Alman remains in federal immigration custody, and Zavala-Ventura, linked to the FBI, is scheduled for arrest at a later date.
