LI Gang Leader Convicted of Ordering Brutal Murder of Innocent Man

Kayla Alvarenga faces life sentence for directing gang to kill Linver Ortiz Ponce, who had randomly parked outside her home.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A Long Island gang leader named Kayla Alvarenga, 23, was found guilty of ordering the vicious beating and murder of Linver Ortiz Ponce, a 29-year-old Central Islip resident who had simply parked outside Alvarenga's home while drunk and tired. Alvarenga called in her gang members to attack and kill Ortiz Ponce, and they were captured on camera brutally beating him before one of the gang members shot him four times as he tried to crawl away.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of gang violence and the tragic consequences it can have on innocent bystanders. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders like Alvarenga should be kept off the streets to prevent further violence.

The details

Alvarenga, who was already serving time for a previous robbery, ordered her gang members Christopher Perdomo, 27, and three teenagers to attack Ortiz Ponce after he parked outside her home. The gang members beat Ortiz Ponce, stole his car, and then Alvarenga led them to a church parking lot where Perdomo shot Ortiz Ponce four times as he tried to crawl away. Four of Alvarenga's co-conspirators pleaded guilty and testified against her at trial.

  • On September 16, 2022, Ortiz Ponce parked outside Alvarenga's home just before midnight.
  • On March 26, 2026, Alvarenga was found guilty by a jury after three days of deliberations.

The players

Kayla Alvarenga

A 23-year-old Bay Shore woman who was found guilty of ordering the murder of Linver Ortiz Ponce, a man who had randomly parked outside her home.

Linver Ortiz Ponce

A 29-year-old Central Islip resident who was brutally beaten and murdered after randomly parking outside Alvarenga's home.

Christopher Perdomo

A 27-year-old gang member who pleaded guilty and testified against Alvarenga, admitting to firing the fatal shots that killed Ortiz Ponce.

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What they’re saying

“I know it's not going to bring my brother back, but I'm happy that all of them are not going to be out here, trying to hurt other families.”

— Jaime Ortiz, Brother of Linver Ortiz Ponce

What’s next

Alvarenga faces a potential life sentence for her conviction on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and robbery.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of gang violence and the urgent need for reforms to keep repeat offenders like Alvarenga off the streets to prevent further senseless loss of innocent life.