Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in South Florida have collaborated to solve four local murders linked to the MS-13 gang, leading to federal charges and convictions. This effort resulted in federal indictments in the Southern District of Florida (22-cr-60078 and 25-cr-20102) charging six MS-13 members and associates with murder in aid of racketeering activities, leading to mandatory life sentences. Three more are facing death penalty charges.
Since 2015, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) has been investigating two unsolved homicides in Oakland Park, Florida. These cases, involving victims O.G. and C.O., initially went cold but were reopened in 2020 with the help of the FBI Miami and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The team also investigated two additional murders, of G.V.P. and J.C.L., tied to MS-13.
The investigation utilized modern techniques to connect these homicides to MS-13. Federal indictments were filed against six defendants, leading to their convictions. Andy Tovar, Wilson Tirado-Silva, Miguel Angel Cabrera-Granados, Melvin David Cruz-Ortiz, Kevin Ricardo Gamez-Melendez, and Wilber Geovanni Vigil-Benitez were each sentenced to life for their roles in these crimes.
A separate case is pending against three other defendants—Jose Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla, Hugo Adiel Bermudez-Martinez, and Wilber Rosendo Navarro-Escobar—who face life imprisonment or the death penalty for their alleged involvement.
In response to these developments, Hayden P. O’Byrne, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, emphasized the importance of collaboration in prosecuting violent criminals. Attorney General Pamela Bondi highlighted the dedication to solving cold cases. Brett Skiles of the FBI lauded the cooperation, while Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony reaffirmed their commitment to justice.
The prosecution involves Southern District of Florida Special Prosecutions Chief Brian Dobbins and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Smukler, with several law enforcement agencies contributing to the investigation. The U.S. Department of Justice describes MS-13 as a violent transnational gang.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Operation Take Back America initiatives aiming to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Nationwide tip lines for MS-13 activities are provided by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
For further case details, visit the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida.