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MS-13 Gang Member Convicted of Murdering Mother and Toddler
A federal jury in Central Islip, New York, has convicted Adalberto Ariel Guzman, also known as “Gringo,” of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearms offenses in connection with the execution-style murders of a mother and her two-year-old son.
The bodies of 19-year-old Vanessa Argueta and her two-year-old son, Diego Torres, were found in a secluded wooded area in Central Islip on February 5, 2010. Guzman, 21, was arrested on May 17, 2010, in Miami, Florida, when he attempted to return to the United States.
At trial, the government proved that Guzman carried out the execution-style murders of Argueta and Torres. The evidence introduced at trial established that Guzman fired the fatal shot to Torres’ head, and after committing the murders, he and two of his co-conspirators fled to El Salvador.
This conviction is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent international street gang comprised primarily of immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
“Guzman and his co-conspirators shot a young mother and her toddler in cold blood. Her crime in their eyes — showing “disrespect” to their vicious gang. Her child’s — simply being with her when the defendant and his cronies decided that she could no longer live. Few other acts illustrate so clearly the heartless nature of this criminal enterprise known as MS-13,” stated United States Attorney Loretta E. Lynch.
Guzman is facing a sentence of life in prison as a result of his conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2014, before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco.
The defendant is Adalberto Ariel Guzman, also known as “Gringo.” He is a resident of Central Islip, New York, and is 21 years old. The exact criminal charges are murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearms offenses. The city and state are Central Islip, New York. The exact date of the crime is February 5, 2010. Guzman was arrested on May 17, 2010, in Miami, Florida. He is facing a sentence of life in prison.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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