Six of the seven people arrested this month for a murder in July in Towson are members of the violent street gang MS-13 and were in the country illegally, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said.
The group members are part of a federal gang database. One of the suspects is just 16 years old.
Daniel Alejandro Alvarado Cuellar, 21, was murdered in the attack outside his home in the 8400 block of Loch Raven Boulevard.
“The cause of death was multiple stab wounds, and through our investigation, we were able to determine it was more than one person who caused those stab wounds,” Baltimore County Police Officer Jen Peach said.
While MS-13 is typically associated with Maryland’s D.C. suburbs, there are a number of members in the Baltimore area, said Tony Avendorph, a retired gang Investigator in Prince George’s County and Los Angeles.
Reporter’s Notebook: House’s final sprint puts SAVE America Act and Iran funding in play
‘Is Mickey Mouse Racist?’: GOP’s Brandon Gill Corners Smithsonian Director on Leftist Policies
New Jersey Dem gov’s blame game backfires after tech company pins noncitizen voter registration on state
From NFL Legend, to NFL Owner, to… WWE Superstar? Tom Brady Slaps Controversial YouTuber
New report uncovers education groups’ DEI push to shape how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms
Hegseth turns tables on Dems as sparks fly during hearing clash: ‘I put this on you’
Mike Lindell proposes six-month amnesty for illegal immigrants if elected Minnesota governor
Trump flexes GOP muscle in Arizona primaries as Dems dodge far-left upset
Rubio says US remains open to Iran talks but warns there ‘will be consequences’
House narrowly backs allowing troops, Pentagon workers to carry personal guns on military bases
Progressive wave crashes in Sun Belt battleground as moderate holds his seat
House GOP votes to punt government shutdown battle to after November midterms
Woman’s remains identified by DNA in Virginia, exposing second alleged murder linked to same 4 suspects
Mamdani goes back on campaign promise, says NYC can’t arrest Netanyahu
Watch: Leftist Witness Confused by Jasmine Crockett’s Wild ‘Racism’ Claim About the World Cup Final
“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised Baltimore County doesn’t also have a gang database and they were aware of them,” he said. “They’re starting to fan out now into Baltimore County and other counties. It’s just a quick ride up I-95.”
One year ago, Anne Arundel County touted state grants worth more than half a million dollars to combat gangs.
The then-county executive estimated there are 200 MS-13 members living in the county, and they arrested 70 in the prior three years.
The gang started in the 1980s in Los Angeles and now has more than 10,000 members in 40 states.
Among their victims in Maryland is 15-year-old Demaris Reyes, who was tortured and stabbed to death two years ago. Her mother remembered her as a “sweet girl” who was “trusting.”
President Trump has frequently lashed out at MS-13, tying the gang to the immigration debate, which critics believe is a way to demonize immigrants.
In 2017, Jeff Sessions, who was United States’ Attorney General at the time, came to Baltimore to speak about MS-13, and he referenced Reyes’ murder. “MS-13 is one of the most dangerous gangs in America,” Sessions told reporters in prepared remarks at the time. “A 15-year old girl from near here in Gaithersburg was stabbed 13 times with knives and a wooden stake by MS-13 members. Her killers filmed the murder so they could show their leaders back in El Salvador.”
Reporter’s Notebook: House’s final sprint puts SAVE America Act and Iran funding in play
‘Is Mickey Mouse Racist?’: GOP’s Brandon Gill Corners Smithsonian Director on Leftist Policies
New Jersey Dem gov’s blame game backfires after tech company pins noncitizen voter registration on state
From NFL Legend, to NFL Owner, to… WWE Superstar? Tom Brady Slaps Controversial YouTuber
New report uncovers education groups’ DEI push to shape how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms
Hegseth turns tables on Dems as sparks fly during hearing clash: ‘I put this on you’
Mike Lindell proposes six-month amnesty for illegal immigrants if elected Minnesota governor
Trump flexes GOP muscle in Arizona primaries as Dems dodge far-left upset
Rubio says US remains open to Iran talks but warns there ‘will be consequences’
House narrowly backs allowing troops, Pentagon workers to carry personal guns on military bases
Progressive wave crashes in Sun Belt battleground as moderate holds his seat
House GOP votes to punt government shutdown battle to after November midterms
Woman’s remains identified by DNA in Virginia, exposing second alleged murder linked to same 4 suspects
Mamdani goes back on campaign promise, says NYC can’t arrest Netanyahu
Watch: Leftist Witness Confused by Jasmine Crockett’s Wild ‘Racism’ Claim About the World Cup Final
The recent Baltimore County case has all the hallmarks of MS-13: The victim was followed then jumped by multiple people and stabbed with a machete.
Police said investigators were able to recover video that led to multiple arrests in connection to the murder. Police have since arrested:
- Jonathan Escobar-Hernandez, 20, of Baltimore
- Marlon Leonardo Fabian-Flores, 20, of Manchester
- Edwin Edgardo Garcia-Martir,18, of Middle River
- Hugo Portillo-Chavez, 31, of Cokeysville
- Jose Fausto Rivera-Coreas, 19, of Cockeysville
- Odaliz Rosas-Yanez, 20, of Cockeysville
- Leonel Alexander Velasquez-Hernadez, 16, of Cockeysville
All of the suspects are being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center. ICE is asking for an immigration detainer while the agency decides whether to deport them or allow them to face trial in Maryland.
“Very seldom do they use a firearm,” Avendorph said. “It’s always something sharp. They want to send a message.”
He believes the key to combating the gang is communication among local, state and federal law enforcement.
“This is a problem that started back in the 1980s and hasn’t really stopped,” he said.
