Full Breakdown
MS-13 Member Convicted in 2022 Park Murder
3/10/2026, 8:43:10 PM
Key Facts of the Case
Carlo Yaque del Cid, a 32-year-old member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang from Hyattsville, was convicted by a Montgomery County jury for his role in the gang-initiated murder of 20-year-old Edvin Agustin Leon. The jury found Yaque del Cid guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and other related charges stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on November 9, 2022, in Northwest Stream Valley Park, Silver Spring. The jury's decision was announced on March 6, 2026, and Yaque del Cid faces a potential life sentence without parole at his sentencing scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Background of the Incident
The shooting incident involved two victims, Edvin Agustin Leon, who was killed, and a second victim who survived by pretending to be dead and crawling for help after being shot multiple times. Prosecutors indicated that Yaque del Cid, along with higher-ranked MS-13 members, orchestrated the attack by leading the victims into a secluded area of the park and directing lower-ranked members to carry out the shooting. The Montgomery County Police Department collaborated with the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI during the investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Co-Defendants
Yaque del Cid's conviction is part of a broader case involving multiple co-defendants. Edgard Castro-Contreras, another gang member, was sentenced to life in prison plus 52 years in August 2025 after being convicted of first-degree murder and related charges. Co-defendant Brayan Bonilla-Andrade has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, while Jonathan Videz Martinez is currently awaiting trial. The case against Sender Emanuel Godoy-Lemus resulted in a hung jury in April 2025 and is set for retrial in May 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by Yaque del Cid and his associates, highlighting the organized nature of the attack. Douglas Wood, Yaque del Cid’s attorney, expressed disappointment with the verdict, asserting that there was reasonable doubt regarding his client's involvement.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the prosecution have raised concerns about the reliance on testimony from lower-ranked gang members, suggesting that the case may not have been as clear-cut as presented. The defense argued that the evidence did not definitively prove Yaque del Cid's direct involvement in the shootings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the jury's verdict has been confirmed, there are discrepancies regarding the details of the events leading to the shooting and the roles of various co-defendants. Some reports indicate differing accounts of the planning and execution of the attack, which may affect the ongoing legal proceedings against the remaining co-defendants.
Verbatim Quotes
“Two higher-ranked members of MS-13 provided firearms to three lower-ranked members and directed them to shoot and kill the two victims,” — Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office
“I thought there certainly was reasonable doubt.” — Douglas Wood, Yaque del Cid’s attorney
