NEW YORK – A leader of an MS-13 gang clique in New York has pleaded guilty to racketeering and firearms charges in a case involving eight murders, including the 2016 killings of two high school girls who were brutally attacked in their suburban neighborhood on Long Island.
Alexi Saenz, 29, confessed to ordering or approving the killings of perceived rivals and individuals who had disrespected or feuded with members of his clique. Among the victims were Kayla Cuevas, 16, and Nisa Mickens, 15, friends and classmates at Brentwood High School, who were viciously murdered with a machete and a baseball bat by a group of young men and teenage boys.
The tragic deaths of these high school students brought national attention to the issue of MS-13 gang violence, particularly during the administration of President Donald Trump. Trump had advocated for the death penalty for Saenz and others associated with the killings, blaming the violence and gang growth on what he perceived as lenient immigration policies.
Following the deaths of Kayla and Nisa, inquiries were raised regarding the proactive measures taken by law enforcement in addressing gang activity within local high schools. Prior to these gruesome murders, several Hispanic children and young men had mysteriously disappeared in Brentwood, prompting concerns within the community.
Although Saenz was not physically present during the attack on Kayla and Nisa, he acknowledged participating in discussions with other gang members about the planned assault. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, emphasized Saenz’s extensive involvement in multiple murders and attempted murders.
Apart from the deaths of Kayla and Nisa, Saenz admitted to being connected to six other murders and three attempted murders, illustrating the extent of his criminal activities. His sentencing is scheduled for January 31, where he faces a substantial term of 40 to 70 years in prison.
In the aftermath of these tragic events, a significant law enforcement crackdown on MS-13 led to the apprehension of numerous suspected gang members. The case highlighted the operations of an MS-13 clique known as Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside, led by Saenz in Brentwood and Central Islip.
While Saenz’s guilty plea brought some closure to the families of the victims, the pain and trauma caused by these senseless murders continue to resonate within the community. The sentencing of Saenz marks a significant step towards accountability for the crimes committed by MS-13 gang members in New York.
