‘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.

Trump expands Turkey ambassador’s diplomatic role, adding Iraq, Syria amid Middle East tensions

Does China Have The Upper Hand?

NHL Legend Hangs Himself: Report

Graham Platner’s wife campaign video statement responding to infidelity allegations widely panned by critics

Agitators outside Delaney Hall set up organized logistics operation before Newark protests began

Leftists Host Striptease Fundraiser to Support Antifa Terrorists Behind Shooting at ICE Detention Facility in 2025

Arizona school board member gets backlash after mocking board president with Nazi salute

Trump calls on all future candidates to take cognitive exam, noting perfect score during latest physical

Infected Lab Monkey Bites Government Employee in the US, GOP Senator Demands Investigation

FBI hunts most wanted neighbor next door who allegedly faked cancer, scammed loved ones for luxury getaways

E. Jean Carroll is a mess for the administration that won’t go away

Smithsonian Accused of Rewriting Nixon History with False Impeachment Claim

Fact Check: Ken Paxton Absolutely Didn’t Let a Sex Offender Go Free – Here’s What Really Happened

Scary stories to tell seniors

Lithuania warns Russian economy is ‘built on war’ and Baltic states are likely next target

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.”