Pastor Troy Martinez spoke out about his concern surrounding the arrests of four MS-13 gang members who have been linked to 10 murders across Las Vegas in the past year
A pastor says ways to end the crime spree carried out by the prolific MS-13 gang must be found after four members were linked to 10 murders across Las Vegas in the past year.
‘We’re literally seeing the type of Third World violence right here in what we are calling a civilized society,’ Pastor Troy Martinez told Fox 5.
The 52-year-old has spent his career working with and trying to reform gang members, but said the string of murders is indicative of a growing problem.
The four alleged gang members were named in a federal lawsuit as Jose Diaz Orelana, 22, Luis Reyes-Castillo, 24, David Perez Manchame, 19, and Miguel Torres-Escobar, 20.
The men, who each came into the country illegally from El Salvador, now face charges of first degree murder and kidnapping, among others, and if convicted could spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
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The four alleged gang members were named in a federal lawsuit as Jose Diaz Orelana, 22, Luis Reyes-Castillo, 24, David Perez Manchame, 19, and Miguel Torres-Escobar, 20. They were each charged with first degree murder and kidnapping in connection with 10 slayings around Las Vegas in the past year
‘We’re literally seeing the type of Third World violence right here in what we are calling a civilized society,’ Pastor Troy Martinez told Fox 5
They are also suspects in nine other murders, according to the federal lawsuit.
‘We cannot wait until there are 10 bodies in the desert, hotel rooms, wherever else they’re dumped,’ Pastor Martinez said, expressing his urge for a call to action.
The federal lawsuit detailed one of the cases, stating suspects saw a member of a rival gang outside a down town club and convinced him to get in their car.
They then allegedly tied him up as they drove him to a location outside the city before repeatedly stabbing and shooting him.
He was then dismembered and his body parts were dumped in a secluded part of the city.
The federal lawsuit detailed one of the cases, stating suspects saw a member of a rival gang outside a down town club and convinced him to get in their car.
They then allegedly tied him up as they drove him to a location outside the city before repeatedly stabbing and shooting him
Pastor Martinez said he is working with schools, churches and the police to teach teens about the dangers of gangs before they reach the age where they might be tempted to join one.
‘Many gangs have their own trademarks, their own style,’ Martinez said, referring to the 10 brutal murders committed over the past year.
‘MS-13 is known for overture, known for making people suffer – brutal and violent murders to send fear into other gangs and into the community. And parents should be veyr concerned their child is not safe in a community where gang members are able to kill people, kill them and dump their bodies all over our valley.
‘If we’re not working with the young people, be sure that the gang members are.’
Pastor Martinez said he is working with schools, churches and the police to teach teens about the dangers of gangs before they reach the age where they might be tempted to join one
The Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo also expressed his concern regarding the nature of the murders and the individuals suspected of committing them
He also urged parents to be vigilant when observing their children and any new behaviors – warning them to look out for signs that could indicate a teen may be being recruited into a gang.
‘We have directly worked with many gangs, including MS-13. There’s two places that your child will end up: that’s either dead or in prison,’ he told Fox.
The Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo also expressed his concern regarding the nature of the murders and the individuals suspected of committing them.
‘We’re seeing young and younger people committing more violent crimes, including murder,’ he told the news station.
‘That’s concerning.’
He gave details about the 10 murders and their links back to MS-13 on Monday, and said there are roughly 50 undocumented members of that gang in the valley.
In total five suspects have been arrested, however one has not been named because he is a juvenile.
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo (pictured, far right) announced on Monday that five suspects are in federal custody in connection to 10 murders tied to the MS-13 gang that have taken place over the course of a year
All of the victims were either were shot or stabbed numerous times. According to police, six of the 10 victims were kidnapped before being murdered on the outskirts of town (Pictured, victims Izzak Towery, left, and Richard Gaudio, right)
The murders were committed between March 2017 and March 2018. At least two of the victims were involved with MS-13 (Pictured, victims Juan Carlos Estrada Raya, left, and Ricardo Olivas, right)
‘The suspects involved in these crimes are extremely violent,’ said Lombardo. ‘They kill their victims over as little as identifying with another gang or participating in street level narcotic sales’ (Pictured, Daniel Clark)
On Monday Lombardo gave more details about the 10 individuals murdered over the past year.
‘Our investigation this far has recovered 18 firearms, which include an AR-15, semi-automatic pistols and shotguns,’ Capt Plummer said. ‘Eight of those guns were stolen in Metro’s jurisdiction; one in Henderson.’
The suspects, believed to be in the US illegally, have been charged with kidnapping, assault with intent to commit murder, first-degree murder, use of a firearm resulting in death and crimes occurring on federal land.
The victims were identified as Daniel Clark, Richard Gaudio, Carlos Pachaca-Rodriguez, Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez, Juan Carlos Estrada Raya, Jose Hernandez, Ricardo Olivas, Izzak Towery, Earl Ryan and Rony Fuentes.
The murders were committed between March 2017 and March 2018.
At least two of the victims, Pachaca-Rodriguez and Sandoval-Martinez, were involved with MS-13. Several of the victims were affiliated with other Mexican gangs.
According to police, six of the 10 victims were kidnapped before being murdered on the outskirts of town.
The suspects were taken into custody on Jones Boulevard on March 7 as they were on their way to kill another person, according to homicide Captain Robert Plummer who was also at the news conference.
‘The suspects involved in these crimes are extremely violent,’ said Lombardo. ‘They kill their victims over as little as identifying with another gang or participating in street level narcotic sales.’