In a shocking revelation, two members of the notorious MS-13 gang have admitted to the brutal murder of a 17-year-old boy from Queens, a crime they committed as part of their initiation into the gang.
The victim, Andy Peralta, was tragically mistaken for a member of a rival gang by the two perpetrators, Juan Amaya-Ramirez, 26, and Oscar Flores-Mejia, 24, both residents of Queens.
According to The New York Post, the duo confessed to the 2018 murder of Peralta in Kissena Park, Flushing, along with a host of other crimes. These included cyberstalking resulting in death, murder conspiracy in-aid-of racketeering, assault conspiracy in-aid-of racketeering, and assault in-aid-of racketeering, as announced by Homeland Security Investigations New York.
"MS-13s ruthless violence is boundless. The defendants admissions to murder serve as a reminder of how the violent nature of street gangs results in countless, senseless deaths," stated Darren B. McCormack, HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge. He further emphasized the commitment of the law enforcement community to dismantle violent gangs like MS-13 to ensure public safety.
The plot to murder Peralta involved Leyla Carranza, the then-girlfriend of Amaya-Ramirez, who was used to lure the unsuspecting teenager to the park via social media. The two defendants, along with a third unidentified suspect, then ambushed Peralta, beating, stabbing, and strangling him to death. In a chilling aftermath, Amaya-Ramirez took a selfie with his accomplices, flashing MS-13 gang signs over Peraltas lifeless body.
"The senseless murder of Andy Peralta exemplifies the casual cruelty of MS-13s violence, and with their pleas today the defendants acknowledge their role in this brutal event," said Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. He vowed that his office, along with law enforcement partners, would continue to hold MS-13 members accountable for their heinous crimes, thereby ensuring justice and safety for victims and communities.
Carranza has already pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in Peraltas death and could face a life sentence. As part of their plea deal, Flores-Mejia and Amaya-Ramirez will serve a minimum of 30 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ruthless violence perpetrated by gangs like MS-13, and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring such criminals to justice.
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