A collaborative effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, FBI Miami, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and other law enforcement agencies has yielded significant results in combating MS-13 gang violence, leading to federal indictments, convictions, and pending charges in connection with four local homicides.
The investigation, which began with BSO Homicide Unit detectives looking into two gang-related murders in Oakland Park in 2015, expanded to include the FBI Miami and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The team’s work uncovered two additional similar murders, highlighting a pattern of MS-13 violence in the region.
READ: Tampa Woman Wrestles Alligator To Save Dog In Terrifying Attack
The Murders:
- O.G., 18: Killed by machete strikes in Oakland Park on January 7, 2015.
- C.O., 25: Stabbed multiple times in Oakland Park on October 19, 2015, and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
- G.V.P., 22: Discovered in a vacant lot in Palm Beach on May 3, 2015, with stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the head.
- J.C.L., 18: Found buried in a makeshift grave in Oakland Park in May 2021 after an extensive excavation. He had been punched, kicked, and stabbed to death.
Through advanced investigative techniques, the team connected MS-13 to all four homicides, prompting federal prosecutions.
Federal Prosecutions and Outcomes:
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida secured federal indictments, including:
- A July 2022 case (22-cr-60078) resulting in the convictions of six MS-13 members and associates for murder in aid of racketeering activity. All six face mandatory life sentences.
- A March 2025 case (25-cr-20102) charging three defendants with murder in aid of racketeering activity. These defendants face a potential death penalty.
READ: Lakeland Motorcyclist Killed Friday In US 98 Crash
Key convictions in the 2022 case include:
- Andy Tovar (a/k/a “Fearless”): Pleaded guilty to two counts of murder in aid of racketeering activity and was sentenced to life in prison.
- Wilson Tirado-Silva (a/k/a “Sombra”): Pleaded guilty to four counts of murder in aid of racketeering activity and faces a mandatory life sentence.
- Miguel Angel Cabrera-Granados (a/k/a “Mariachi”): Pleaded guilty to one count of murder in aid of racketeering activity and faces a mandatory life sentence.
- Melvin David Cruz-Ortiz (a/k/a “Bigfoot”): Pleaded guilty to three counts of murder in aid of racketeering activity and faces a mandatory life sentence.
- Kevin Ricardo Gamez-Melendez (a/k/a “Ardilla”): Pleaded guilty to one count of murder in aid of racketeering activity and faces a mandatory life sentence.
- Wilber Geovanni Vigil-Benitez (a/k/a “Solitario”): Convicted by a federal jury of murder in aid of racketeering and faces a mandatory life sentence.
The March 2025 case (25-cr-20102) involves:
- Jose Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla (a/k/a “Chango”)
- Hugo Adiel Bermudez-Martinez (a/k/a “Blue”)
- Wilber Rosendo Navarro-Escobar (a/k/a “Power”)
These defendants are in federal custody and face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison and a potential death penalty.
READ: Florida Man In Pajama Pants Arrested For Posing As ICE Agent In Fake Traffic Stop
“These vicious and callous acts by MS-13 not only shattered lives but also undermined the safety and security of South Florida communities,” said United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne. “Through my office’s unwavering partnership with other federal, state, and local law enforcement, we are sending a clear message to those who inflict violence, feed drug addiction, or cause other harm to the people of our district: We will find you; we will prosecute you; and we will apply the full force of American justice.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Nine MS-13 terrorists have been taken off our streets and four cold murder cases have been solved thanks to the great investigative work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Let this be a lesson: no matter how long it takes, we will never give up in our pursuit of justice.”
“This investigation reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to arrest dangerous criminals who threaten the safety of our citizens and our communities,” said Brett Skiles, acting Special Agent in Charge FBI Miami.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office emphasized the dedication of BSO’s Cold Case Homicide investigators, stating, “The heartless and brutal actions of these ruthless and violent criminals demonstrate a complete disregard for human life. BSO’s Cold Case Homicide investigators, who worked closely with our federal partners, proved once again that justice has no expiration date.”
The cases are being prosecuted by Southern District of Florida Special Prosecutions Chief Brian Dobbins and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Smukler.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
