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In a chilling development, four individuals linked to the infamous MS-13 gang have been charged with the gruesome murder of a 14-year-old boy in a Maryland park. The accused, all of whom are illegal migrants, now face serious charges following their indictment.
According to Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson, the individuals—Jose Merlos-Majano, 18, Alan Josai Garcia-Padilla, 21, William Cuellar Gutierrez, 19, and a 17-year-old whose name is withheld—are charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and involvement in a criminal organization.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that all four suspects are members of the notorious MS-13 gang. The gang has a well-documented history of violence and criminal activity, casting a shadow over communities across the United States.
The victim, Jefferson Amaya-Ayala, a 14-year-old from Washington, D.C., was reported missing on August 2, 2025. The search for him came to a tragic end nearly three months later when Prince George’s County police discovered what appeared to be human remains in a local park.
This heart-wrenching case has sent shockwaves through the community, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by gang violence and illegal immigration. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to occur, calling for renewed efforts to combat gang-related crime.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) later identified the remains as Amaya-Ayala and determined he died from “multiple injuries,” ruling the death a homicide.
Through their investigation, detectives identified the four suspects in the alleged homicide. Authorities said that their preliminary investigation found that Amaya-Ayala “was lured” to the park and murdered on Aug. 2.
Police said that the teen “knew at least one of the four suspects,” adding that the murder appears gang-related. However, the motive remains under investigation.
Police say that Jefferson Amaya-Ayala was allegedly lured to a Maryland park where he was brutally murdered in August. (Department of Homeland Security)
DHS identified Merlos-Majano as a Salvadoran national, who authorities allege is affiliated with MS-13. DHS said he was previously arrested in Washington, D.C., on charges including defacing public property and possession of a prohibited weapon after allegedly spray-painting MS-13 gang symbols on homes.
DHS said Garcia-Padilla, 21, also a Salvadoran national alleged to be an MS-13 member, was previously convicted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of attempted unlawful possession of ammunition. He was also found in possession of fraudulent documents, including a lawful permanent resident card and a Social Security card, according to DHS. The agency said Garcia-Padilla was released from custody during the Biden administration.
The U.S. southern border near El Paso, Texas. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)
Cuellar Gutierrez was also identified by DHS as a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 member. He was previously arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia on multiple weapons-related charges, including possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, carrying a pistol without a license in a gun-free zone, and possession of unregistered ammunition.Â
DHS said he was released from custody during the Biden administration.
A fourth suspect, a 17-year-old, has also been charged.
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