Random Killings by MS-13 Terrorized Communities
Even in the violent world of MS-13, a wave of killings in northern Virginia during the summer of 2019 stood out for its brutality. Prosecutors described the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as an “MS-13 hunting ground” at that time.
Shift in MS-13 Violence
Law enforcement was accustomed to MS-13 killings involving rival gang members or internal gang disputes where suspected cooperators with police were targeted. However, this time, the victims were chosen at random and had no gang affiliations.
Leader Sentenced to Life
On Tuesday, gang leader Melvin Canales Saldana, who ordered the killings, was sentenced to life in prison. Another gang member who carried out one of the murders also received a life sentence. A third member was sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy to commit murder.
Canales’ Role in the Killings
Prosecutors identified Canales as the second-ranking member in the Sitios clique of MS-13, a powerful group in northern Virginia. In spring of 2019, Canales allegedly ordered midlevel members to become more aggressive in killing rivals. Up until then, the clique had focused on cocaine distribution between New York and Virginia.
Canales’ Defense Appeals
Canales’ attorney, Lana Manitta, plans to appeal the conviction. She claims Canales did not approve of targeting innocent civilians and that his underlings fabricated stories about the victims being gang rivals to gain promotions within MS-13.
