‘Latin Kings’ Gang Leader Freed by ‘First Step Act’ Arrested for Murder After Nationwide Manhunt

A notorious leader of the “Almighty Latin Kings” gang has been arrested for murdering a man less than a year after being freed from federal prison by the “First Step Act.”

Joel Francisco, 41, had been wanted since October 2nd for stabbing to death 46-year-old Troy Pine at a hookah lounge in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Rhode Island, Breitbart News reported. Last week, authorities confirmed that Francisco was arrested at a motel in the San Antonio, Texas area.

In February, Francisco — dubbed the “Crown Prince” of the Latin Kings gang in 2005 — was released from federal prison after President Donald Trump signed into law the First Step Act, promoted by a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and progressive and libertarian nonprofits.

According to an investigative report by the Providence Journal‘s Brian Amaral and Katie Mulvaney, Francisco was convicted in 2005 for dealing crack cocaine and powder cocaine. The conviction was Francisco’s third drug conviction, thus he was given a mandatory life sentence in federal prison.

Federal judge orders release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE custody

DHS Reveals Historic Number Illegal Aliens Left the US in 2025 – Deportations Were Just a Fraction

Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: NYC braces for British-style taxes, antisemitism

Democratic Congresswoman Accused of Joining Riot and Attempting to ‘Impede Law Enforcement Officers’

Ex-Kentucky sheriff admits to shooting judge but claims he ‘had no control’ over actions: report

Leftist Code Pink founder praise for Marjorie Taylor Greene stuns social media

Trump declares support for Cabinet official after report he is considering replacement

Local News Claimed Somalis Add to the State Economy, Then the Internet Did the Math – It Didn’t Add Up

Dueling healthcare votes test Thune’s GOP unity on Obamacare

Mamdani Vows to Let Homeless Roam Free, Republican Accuses Him of Leaving Them ‘To Freeze… on the Streets’

Philadelphia teachers partner with organization under congressional investigation for terrorism ties

Democrats target ‘vulnerable’ Republican senators ahead of high-stakes health care showdown

New Jersey’s medically assisted suicide law only covers state residents, appeals court rules

ICE accuses Dem lawmaker of joining ‘rioting crowd’ in Arizona, interfering in mass arrest

Trump rips Indiana GOP leader over redistricting fight, warns Republicans could face ‘MAGA primary’

After Trump signed the First Step Act into law, though, Francisco had his life sentence for crack dealing reduced and he was released in February of this year, along with the other 3,100 convicts released this year by the new law.

Before his release, Francisco pleaded with the court that he had turned his life around, noting his taking part in rehabilitation programs in prison, which advocates of the First Step Act readily cited to make their case that even violent convicts could be reformed and thus released.

On July 13, about six months after being released from prison, Francisco was accused of breaking into the home of his ex-girlfriend and charged with domestic violence. Three months later, on October 2nd, police said Francisco stabbed Pine to death and immediately skipped town in an attempt to evade murder charges.

“I just want an answer,” Pine’s nephew Jay Chattelle told the Providence Journal. “I just want to know what happened to my uncle. But at the same time, you’re thinking, ‘Once this is all done, Uncle Troy is still not here.’”

Before his release from federal prison, Providence law enforcement officials warned that the former gang leader would likely commit additional crimes if released.

“Some criminals deserve to spend their lives incarcerated,” Providence Police Department Deputy Chief Thomas Verdi told the Providence Journal. “Joel is one.”