Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Teenagers Sentenced for Cartel-Ordered Assassination Attempt
3/15/2026, 11:14:30 AM
Overview of the Case
Two teenagers from Los Angeles, Andrew “Shooter” Nunez, 16, and Johncarlo “Dumper” Quintero, 17, were sentenced to 25 years in prison for their roles in an assassination attempt ordered by the Sinaloa Cartel. The incident occurred in March 2024 when the teens attempted to kill a rival gang member at a Chili’s restaurant in Chula Vista, California, and later targeted the victim's home.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
The teenagers were allegedly hired by the Sinaloa Cartel to carry out the hit, with each expecting a payment of $50,000 for the successful execution. On the day of the attack, they drove from Los Angeles to the restaurant where they opened fire on their target as he left with his family. Quintero managed to shoot the victim in the leg, but their attempt was thwarted when his gun jammed. The following day, the teens returned to the victim's residence with an accomplice, Ricardo Sanchez, 28, but the intended target was not home. During this second attempt, they fired indiscriminately into the house, resulting in Sanchez being killed by the victim's friend, who returned fire after being injured.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Both Nunez and Quintero pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and the collateral death of Sanchez. They acknowledged their recruitment by the cartel and their understanding that, due to their ages, they could not be charged as adults. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon highlighted that a California Senate bill had made it difficult to prosecute 14- and 15-year-olds, which has led to the Sinaloa Cartel recruiting younger individuals for criminal activities. U.S. District Judge Todd Robinson emphasized that the sentence serves as a warning that juveniles can face significant consequences for engaging in organized crime.
Official Statements
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated, “No to the Sinaloa Cartel recruiting juveniles. No to the Mexican Mafia directing gangland hits in San Diego. No to a lack of consequences for juveniles who would do their bidding.” This reflects a broader concern regarding the involvement of youth in organized crime and the challenges of holding them accountable under current laws.
Ongoing Investigations
In addition to the sentencing of the two teenagers, three associates of the Sinaloa Cartel have been indicted for their alleged roles in conspiring with the teens to carry out the assassination. They were scheduled to appear in court, indicating that investigations into cartel activities and their recruitment practices are ongoing.
Conclusion
The case of Nunez and Quintero underscores the troubling trend of juvenile involvement in organized crime, particularly as cartels adapt their recruitment strategies in response to legal limitations. The sentences handed down serve as a significant statement on the legal system's stance against such activities, aiming to deter similar future incidents.
