MS-13 Leader Sentenced to 68 Years for Murder and Violence

The head of the MS-13 gang in a New York City suburb was sentenced to 68 years in federal prison, linked to assaults and the murders of eight individuals on Long Island. This included the killings of two high school students that drew national attention to the violence perpetrated by Central American street gangs.

Alexi Sains admitted last year to his involvement in orchestrating and approving these violent acts during a period marked by extreme brutality which also led him and other gang leaders to advocate for the death penalty while Donald Trump was in office.

While Sains’ attorneys requested a 45-year sentence, prosecutors argued for up to 70 years. They previously had considered seeking the death penalty but later decided against it, stating that Sains deserved to serve his life in prison for his “pointless” and “cruel” actions.

Judge Gary Brown explained that the 68-year sentence was, in part, due to Sains’ cooperation in pleading guilty, which helped avoid lengthy trials and potentially spared others from further suffering. He noted, “This small adjustment is more than what was given to his victim. No one can enjoy another day on this planet.”

In court, Sains expressed remorse, seeking forgiveness from God, his family, and the parents of the victims. Speaking through a translator, the 30-year-old said, “I know my apology doesn’t repair the harm and pain I caused. I know that many of you will not accept my apology, but from the bottom of my heart, I want to say these words are sincere.”

Sains’ attorney mentioned that he has struggled with intellectual disabilities and trauma from a difficult childhood in El Salvador. However, Sains insisted he wasn’t using his past as a justification. “I don’t recognize anyone who committed these crimes,” he said.

Prosecutor Paul Scotty dismissed Sains’ claims as “selfish” and “unconvincing,” emphasizing that Sains remains committed to MS-13, pointing to his extensive disciplinary issues while incarcerated.

Evidence was presented, including a photo of Sains with gang members showing gang signs and tools, as well as a record of assaults on fellow inmates and other infractions.

Sains, who is known by the nicknames “Blasty” and “Big Homie,” leads the MS-13 faction known as “Creek,” which operates in Brentwood and Central Islip. He acknowledged his role in the killings of rivals and others who opposed the gang.

The victims included 16-year-old Kayla Cuevas and 15-year-old Nisa Mickens, who were lifelong friends from Brentwood High School. Their deaths stemmed from a dispute involving a gang member. Other victims were also mentioned, like Javier Castillo, 15, who had befriended gang members only to meet a tragic end.

Another victim, 19-year-old Oscar Acosta, was discovered dead months after he left home to play football, highlighting the gang’s violent reach.

In addition to murder, Sains admitted to other crimes, including arson, gun offenses, and drug trafficking. The funds generated from these activities were funneled back into the gang, sustaining MS-13’s operations.

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a violent transnational criminal organization believed to have originated in Los Angeles during the mid-1980s, formed by those fleeing the civil war in El Salvador.