MS-13 Gang Members Accused of 'Human Hunting'

Salvadoran MS-13 gang members are accused of going on a violent spree, resulting in the deaths of 11 people in California and Nevada, according to prosecutors. The gang members allegedly “went out hunting, looking for people they could kill,” as stated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanee Smith in Las Vegas.

Charges Filed in Multi-State Murder Spree

Joel Vargas-Escobar, David Arturo Perez-Manchame, and Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo have been charged with multiple offenses. These include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and various weapons charges. The alleged crimes took place between 2017 and 2018.

Details of the Izaak Towery Murder

Prosecutors detailed the murder of 21-year-old Izaak Towery, who authorities believe was mistakenly identified as a member of the 18th Street gang, a rival group. Smith noted that Towery was unaware of the attack unfolding around him, as the assailants were communicating in Spanish, a language he did not understand.

Brutal Attacks on Other Victims

Another victim, 19-year-old Abel Rodriguez, suffered extensive stab wounds, with his body being found in a condition that made identification difficult. Investigators have connected Perez-Manchame and Reyes-Castillo to Towery’s murder, and Reyes-Castillo to the murder of Rodriguez.

Discovery of Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez's Body

The suspects are also linked to the murder of Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez. His remains were discovered dismembered and riddled with bullet wounds in the Nevada desert.