Leniz Escobar Convicted for Luring Victims to Their Deaths
Leniz Escobar, a woman linked to the notorious MS-13 gang, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison on Tuesday for her role in the brutal 2017 murders of four young men in a Long Island park. U.S. Judge Joseph Bianco described Escobar as a “critical player” in the attack, which was carried out by over a dozen MS-13 members armed with machetes, knives, and tree limbs.
Escobar, now 24 and known within the gang as “Diablita” or “Little Devil,” was convicted in 2022 of racketeering and four counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Prosecutors said she played a pivotal role in luring the victims to their deaths under the pretense of smoking marijuana.
Victims’ Families Demand Justice
The sentencing took place in Central Islip federal court, where family members of the victims expressed their grief and anger. Bertha Ullaguari, the mother of 18-year-old Jorge Tigre, said through a translator that Escobar deserved more than 50 years in prison: “She deserves the death penalty.” Another victim’s brother, Jason Tigre, tearfully recounted how his older sibling had been looking forward to graduating high school and going to college before his life was cut short.
Escobar’s Apology Met With Skepticism
Escobar expressed remorse during the sentencing, stating, “All I can do is hurt. Every breath reminds me that they are not here and their families are in pain.” She tearfully added, “If I could trade places with them and take away that pain, I would.” Despite her apology, the victims’ families were unmoved, with many still calling for harsher punishment.
Defense Cites Difficult Upbringing, Pushes for Leniency
Escobar’s defense attorney, Jesse Siegel, argued for a lesser sentence, highlighting her troubled past, which included sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. He emphasized that Escobar was only 17 at the time of the murders and had endured a life of hardship. Siegel also noted her efforts to turn her life around while in custody, where she earned a high school diploma and became a mentor to fellow inmates.
Prosecution Pushes for 65 Years, Citing Ongoing Gang Ties
Despite the defense’s argument, prosecutors sought a 65-year sentence, noting that Escobar continued to maintain ties to MS-13 even after her arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Farrell revealed that Escobar had coordinated the beating of another female gang associate from prison. Farrell also said Escobar had “personally set the massacre in motion” by showing gang leaders photos posted by one of the victims that she found offensive, leading to the deadly ambush.
Escobar’s Role in the 2017 Massacre
Prosecutors argued that without Escobar’s involvement, the killings would not have occurred. She had reportedly befriended the victims, making them believe they were invited to the park to smoke marijuana, only for them to be brutally attacked by MS-13 members. Escobar then boasted about her role in the murders and helped gang members cover up the crime.
