Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has authorized federal prosecutors in California to seek the death penalty against three alleged MS-13 gang members accused of murdering a victim cooperating with federal authorities. The authorization, one of Blanche’s first actions as acting attorney general, was communicated through a memo dated April 8.
The three defendants—Roberto Carlos Aguilar, Dennis Anaya Urias, and Grevil Zelaya Santiago—face charges of murder in aid of racketeering in connection with the killing. According to federal prosecutors, the victim was targeted after cooperating with law enforcement, triggering a so-called “green light” order by the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, making him a prioritized target for assassination.
The fatal shooting occurred on February 18, 2025, at a grocery store located in South Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege that Urias and Santiago carried out the shooting. About an hour before the murder, the victim had an encounter with Aguilar inside the store, officials said. On the evening of the killing, the victim made two phone calls to authorities reporting an attempted shooting by MS-13 members that initially failed when the gun did not fire. During the second call, gunshots were heard.
The charges include mandatory life sentences if convicted, but the defendants are now eligible for the death penalty following Blanche’s approval. First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bilal Essayli, has been directed to pursue capital punishment in the case.
Why it matters
This decision marks one of the earliest death penalty authorizations under Acting Attorney General Blanche, reflecting the Justice Department’s aggressive stance against violent gang activity, particularly involving MS-13. It underscores increasing federal efforts to use capital punishment in cases involving organized crime and threats to cooperating witnesses, which the government views as critical in combating gang violence in major U.S. cities.
Background
MS-13, a transnational criminal organization known for brutal violence, has been a major target of federal law enforcement. Murder in aid of racketeering is a charge often applied in gang-related killings to hold members accountable under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The use of the death penalty in cases involving MS-13 has been rare but signals heightened federal prosecutorial priorities, especially when victims are cooperating with authorities.
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