News Summary
Eight MS-13 gang members in Houston have pleaded guilty to racketeering and multiple murder charges. The violent acts included extreme brutality against victims, illustrating the gang’s coordination and penchant for violence. The defendants received prison sentences ranging from 35 to 50 years as part of ongoing efforts to combat gang-related crime. This case highlights the dangers posed by transnational criminal organizations and reflects a larger initiative by the Justice Department to dismantle such gangs and restore safety in affected communities.
Houston Gang Members Plead Guilty to Multiple Murder Charges
Eight members of the MS-13 gang in Houston have pleaded guilty to racketeering charges connected to a series of brutal murders involving their gang. The announcements came as part of an extensive investigation that has highlighted the dangerous activities of transnational criminal organizations within the United States. The guilty pleas signal a significant step in addressing and prosecuting gang-related violence that has been terrorizing communities.
The murders committed by the gang were marked by extreme violence, with victims subjected to severe forms of assault, including being beaten with a baseball bat, hacked to death with machetes, or strangled. Following these heinous acts, gruesome images of the victims’ bodies were sent to gang leaders located in El Salvador, illustrating the gang’s coordination and brutality. The gang primarily targeted rivals, individuals suspected of sharing information about them, and generally anyone perceived as opposing MS-13.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti underscored the appalling nature of the violence attributed to the gang, noting that their actions represent a significant threat to public safety, instilling fear in neighborhoods across the region. The courtroom proceedings have revealed the extent of their violent tactics and the broader implications for the community and law enforcement.
The eight defendants, all illegal immigrants from El Salvador, received prison sentences ranging from 35 to 50 years. Walter Antonio Chicas-Garcia (28), Wilson Jose Ventura-Mejia (29), and Miguel Angel Aguilar-Ochoa (40) received the maximum sentence of 50 years each. Meanwhile, Marlon Miranda-Moran (26) was sentenced to 35 years in prison, and Luis Ernesto Carbajal-Peraza (33), Edgardo Martinez-Rodriguez (35), Carlos Alexi Garcia-Gongora (27), and Wilman Rivas-Guido (29) face sentences between 40 and 50 years. A specific sentencing date for all defendants is scheduled for later this year.
This case is part of a broader initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which is spearheaded by the Justice Department. This national operation aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that pose a threat to safety across the United States. The investigation reflects a collaborative effort among federal and local law enforcement, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, in an attempt to curb gang violence and related crimes.
In a related crackdown, a suspect named Luis Miguel Perez-Miranda, 34, was arrested in Liberty County during a larger immigration enforcement operation that resulted in a total of 118 arrests. Perez-Miranda was charged with murder following the stabbing death of a man and has been deported from the United States five times, with a criminal history that includes multiple aggravated assault charges.
The ongoing operations in areas such as Colony Ridge are directly linked to significant concerns about illegal immigration and the potential influence of organized crime within Texas. Local communities continue to grapple with the implications of these activities, as law enforcement remains committed to enforcing the law and restoring security.
As authorities continue to address the challenges presented by MS-13 and other gangs, these guilty pleas serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action in combatting the far-reaching impacts of gang violence and illegal activity on neighborhoods and freedom from fear within communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ICE Operation in Houston Leads to Major Gang Arrests
Additional Resources
- Click2Houston: MS-13 Members Admit to Brutal Killings
- Houston Chronicle: MS-13 Leader Sentenced
- ABC13: Luis Miguel Perez Arrested
- Newsweek: ICE Arrests Suspected MS-13 Member
- KHOU: MS-13 Gang Arrested in Liberty County
- Wikipedia: MS-13
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
