Acting AG Authorizes Death Penalty for Alleged MS-13 Murder

Three MS-13 members charged with killing a victim who was cooperating with authorities.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, metallic bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The federal government's pursuit of the death penalty in this MS-13 murder case underscores its commitment to combating the gang's violent tactics.Los Angeles Today

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has authorized the top federal prosecutor in California to seek the death penalty for three alleged members of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization who are charged with murdering a victim who was cooperating with federal authorities.

Why it matters

The decision to pursue the death penalty in this case highlights the federal government's aggressive stance against MS-13 and its efforts to crack down on the gang's violent activities, particularly the targeting of individuals who cooperate with law enforcement.

The details

According to prosecutors, the victim had been marked for death by the gang, and two of the defendants, Dennis Anaya Urias and Grevil Zelaya Santiago, allegedly carried out the shooting at a grocery store in South Los Angeles on February 18, 2025. The Justice Department said the gang knew of the victim's cooperation with the government, which made him "subject to a 'green light' order that made him a target for murder by MS-13 members." About an hour before his death, the victim apparently had a chance encounter with the third defendant, Roberto Carlos Aguilar, inside the store.

  • On February 18, 2025, the victim was shot and killed at a grocery store in South Los Angeles.
  • On April 8, 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized the top federal prosecutor in California to seek the death penalty for the three alleged MS-13 members.

The players

Todd Blanche

The acting Attorney General of the United States who authorized the pursuit of the death penalty in this case.

Bilal Essayli

The First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California who was directed by Blanche to pursue the death penalty.

Roberto Carlos Aguilar

One of the three alleged MS-13 members charged with the murder of the victim who was cooperating with authorities.

Dennis Anaya Urias

One of the three alleged MS-13 members charged with the murder of the victim who was cooperating with authorities.

Grevil Zelaya Santiago

One of the three alleged MS-13 members charged with the murder of the victim who was cooperating with authorities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Justice Department said the charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison and make the defendants eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's aggressive stance against MS-13 and its efforts to crack down on the gang's violent activities, particularly the targeting of individuals who cooperate with law enforcement.