Prosecutors Allege MS-13 Officials Committed Brutal Killings in Federal Trial

Defense attorneys attack credibility of cooperating witnesses expected to testify against the defendants.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a sharp metal object, such as a knife, against a black background, conveying the violent nature of the alleged crimes.The brutal nature of the alleged MS-13 killings is reflected in the stark, gritty evidence collected by investigators.

Federal prosecutors told jurors that three MS-13 officials committed a series of 11 brutal killings, including one that left the victim unrecognizable and others prompted by flimsy information tying those killed to a rival gang. Defense attorneys attacked the credibility of witnesses expected to testify in support of prosecutors and tried to minimize their clients' role.

Why it matters

This high-profile federal trial highlights the ongoing threat of MS-13 gang violence in the Las Vegas area and the challenges prosecutors face in building cases against gang members who are willing to commit extreme acts of violence.

The details

Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, David Arturo Perez-Manchame and Joel Vargas-Escobar face counts including murder, RICO conspiracy and possessing a firearm during a crime. Prosecutors say the defendants would be subject to removal proceedings if released from custody. The killings occurred in Nevada and California between 2017 and 2018. Defense attorneys argued that the cooperating witnesses who are expected to testify have repeatedly lied and are trying to shift blame to curry favor with prosecutors.

  • The killings occurred in Nevada and California between 2017 and 2018.
  • The federal trial began on March 31, 2026 and could last up to three months.

The players

Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo

One of the three MS-13 officials on trial, accused of multiple killings.

David Arturo Perez-Manchame

One of the three MS-13 officials on trial, accused of multiple killings.

Joel Vargas-Escobar

One of the three MS-13 officials on trial, accused of multiple killings.

Melanee Smith

Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case.

Richard Wright

Defense attorney representing Reyes-Castillo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The more you squeal, the better the deal.”

— Richard Wright, Defense attorney

“I'm not asking you to like these men.”

— Melanee Smith, Assistant U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The federal trial is expected to last up to three months, with a verdict anticipated in mid-2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of prosecuting violent MS-13 gang members, who often rely on coerced testimony from fellow gang members to build their cases. The credibility of cooperating witnesses will be a key focus of the defense strategy.