Two Venezuelan nationals living illegally in the U.S. have been arrested in upstate New York in connection with the murder of a Connecticut man. Police in Rensselaer, New York, apprehended 24-year-old Gregory Marlyn Galindez-Trias and 22-year-old Moises Alejandro Condollo-Urbaneja after they allegedly used a stolen credit card belonging to the victim.
The victim, 59-year-old Angel Samaniego, was found shot to death at a Super 8 Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, on Monday. The motive for the murder remains unclear.
Authorities suspect that Trias and Urbaneja have ties to the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Both individuals have tattoos associated with the gang, and Trias reportedly expressed fear of retaliation from Tren de Aragua during her court hearing. Two young children who were with the couple at the time of their arrest have been placed in protective services.
This incident follows a series of reports highlighting the growing presence and criminal activity of Tren de Aragua in the United States. The gang has been linked to various crimes, including the takeover of apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, and San Antonio, Texas.
The rise of Tren de Aragua’s activities in the U.S. coincides with a surge in Venezuelan migration in recent years. This case raises concerns about the potential for further criminal activity by gang members exploiting the influx of migrants.
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