Death Penalty Sought For MS-13 Leader Accused In 7 Killings

BRENTWOOD, NY — Federal prosecutors on Friday announced they are seeking the death penalty, which was authorized by U.S. Attorney General Barr, against an MS-13 gang member accused of several killings in the Brentwood-Central Islip area.

Jairo Saenz, also known as "Funny," was charged in connection with the slayings of Michael Johnson, Oscar Acosta, Kayla Cuevas, Nisa Mickens, Javier Castillo, Dewann Stacks and Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. Saenz was second-in-command of the Brentwood/Central Islip chapter of MS-13 and directed the homicides, prosecutors said.

Saenz is accused of recruiting new members into the gang and gathering weapons including guns, machetes and baseball bats. He also was accused of organizing the distribution of narcotics to raise money for the gang.

Prosecutors said they are calling for the death penalty because they believe Saenz is a continuing danger and likely to commit further acts of violence.

Saenz was arrested in 2017 and has continued his criminal conduct in prison, authorities said. He is accused of maintaining his gang leadership role, conducting attacks on inmates and correctional officers, and creating weapons. He is also accused of communicating with MS-13 leaders in the United States and El Salvador to identify people who have cooperated with police for the purpose of retaliation. Prosecutors said he threatened other gang members to convince them to plead not guilty to charges.

In July, the U.S. Attorney’s office also announced that they were seeking the death penalty against Saenz brother, Alexi Saenz, for the same murders.

According to Newsday, both Barr and President Donald Trump are for the death penalty but President-elect Joseph Biden appears to be against the death penalty, which could effect the decision for both brothers.