By: Hal C Clarke

Reputed MS-13 leader, Melvi Amador-Rios, is standing trial for allegedly orchestrating a series of murder missions, including the brutal slaying of 16-year-old Julio Vasquez, who was stabbed multiple times to the point of near decapitation. Federal prosecutors opened the trial in Brooklyn federal court, where Assistant US Attorney Rafaella Belizaire presented their case.

According to the prosecution, Amador-Rios, also known as “Letal” or “Pinky,” is accused of ordering hits on several rivals and suspected informants within the gang. The fatal stabbing of Julio Vasquez occurred in 2017 when Amador-Rios became suspicious of the teen’s failure to execute a murder the gang leader believed was betraying them.

Prosecutors claim that in an attempt to prove his loyalty and advance within the gang, Amador-Rios directed a subordinate to kill a 16-year-old rival from the 18th Street gang, resulting in the victim, Louis Serrano, being left paralyzed after the attack.

Amador-Rios faces additional charges related to armed robberies, including those at a money transfer business and three convenience stores in Queens.

The defense attorney, Murray Singer, acknowledged Amador-Rios’s affiliation with MS-13 but argued that being a gang member is not a crime in itself. He refuted the allegations against his client, asserting that Amador-Rios was not involved in the crimes.

If convicted of murder, Amador-Rios faces a mandatory life sentence. The prosecution intends to present various evidence during the trial, including surveillance footage, photos, videos from social media, and wiretapped phone calls from the October murder attempt. The trial is expected to last two weeks, with the jury remaining anonymous throughout the proceedings.

Several underlings involved in the October 2016 murder attempt have already pleaded guilty to attempted murder and racketeering, as have four others involved in Julio Vasquez’s murder.

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious transnational criminal organization that originated in Los Angeles, California, during the 1980s. Its roots can be traced back to Salvadoran immigrants fleeing civil war and seeking refuge in the United States. Over time, MS-13 grew in size and influence, expanding its operations across various countries in Central America and the United States.

Formation in Los Angeles: MS-13 was founded by Salvadoran immigrants in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles during the early 1980s.

The gangs spread to Central America: By the late 1980s and early 1990s, MS-13 began deporting members to El Salvador, contributing to its rapid growth in the country. The gang quickly established a presence in other Central American nations, such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Criminal Activities: MS-13 is involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, robbery, and murder. The gang’s criminal operations have contributed to high levels of violence and instability in the regions where they operate.

MS-13 is infamous for its extreme violence, and its members have been responsible for numerous brutal homicides, often using machetes and other weapons to carry out their killings. These murders are often linked to turf wars with rival gangs and internal disputes within the organization.

MS-13 is involved in human trafficking, particularly related to the smuggling of migrants across borders. They exploit vulnerable individuals, forcing them into illegal activities or using them as sources of revenue through extortion. The gang plays a significant role in drug trafficking, moving illicit substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine through their network.