‘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.

NYC health officials warn Central Park visitors after Legionnaires’ outbreak grows on Upper East Side

Pilot declares mayday before seaplane comes down in New York City’s East River

Toddler declared dead after near-drowning was found alive in hospital morgue hours later, police say

Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow drops out of Senate race weeks before primary

NYPD detective, children shot in separate Brooklyn shootings over holiday weekend

Iranians call for Trump’s death at funeral for assassinated ayatollah: ‘Seek revenge’

Trump shares news of ‘crystal clear’ Reflecting Pool, calls for vandalism suspect’s arrest

Bill Clinton blasts Trump as Americans mark nation’s 250th anniversary

Watch: UK Police Do It Again, Attack White Kid for Crime of Being Slammed on Ground by Black Kid

Watch a Gun-Range Officer Halt Some Hollywood Antics on the Spot

Here Are The Voters Backing Democratic Socialists

California Man Pleads Guilty to Harassing Guthrie Family With Fake Ransom Notes

Newsom blames Trump for DOJ probe, but reports say investigation predates his administration

Samuel Alito Warns Mail-In-Ballot Ruling Leaves Giant Opening For Voter Fraud

‘He Came And Stab Me’: Food Truck Pirates Turn National Mall Into A Lawless Mess

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.”