Full Breakdown
Federal Jury Convicts Three Alleged MS-13 Members in Nevada Racketeering Trial
6/30/2026, 3:46:22 PM
Conviction Overview
On June 29 2026 a Nevada federal jury convicted Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, David Arturo Perez-Manchame, and Joel Vargas-Escobar of RICO conspiracy and murders, kidnappings, attempted murders, and firearms offenses tied to nine killings in Nevada and California (2017-2018). They face life without parole; sentencing set for Nov 10 2026. Alexander De Jesus Figueroa-Torres pleaded guilty before trial.
Background & Key Players
MS-13 (La Mara Salvatrucha) began in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s among Salvadoran immigrants and spread across the U.S. The case centered on the Parkview clique in Las Vegas, where Reyes-Castillo (“Molesto”) served as “Homeboy,” Vargas-Escobar (“Momia”) led until 2017, and Perez-Manchame (“Herbi”) claimed to have left the gang that year.
Timeline & Statistics
Between Dec 2017 and Mar 2018 Parkview clique committed murders, including a Mendota kidnapping, a Las Vegas shooting, a desert kidnapping, and a drive-by and mountain shooting. Prosecutors noted nine murders, eleven deaths, 51 gunshot wounds, 537 stab wounds, and 24 “choppings.” 34-count indictment yielded 22 convictions, two mistrials, and five unresolved counts.
Official Statements & Responses
FBI Director Kash Patel said agency’s goal is “wiping out violent gangs” and framed the convictions as proof MS-13 will face power; Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanee Smith told jurors the gang’s purpose was to foster violence and loyalty, not profit. Nevada Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah called verdict a “clear and uncompromising message” against gang terror.
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Andrea Luem argued the prosecution relied on cooperating witnesses seeking reduced sentences, questioning their credibility and asserting that “mere association is not evidence of guilt.” Counsel for Reyes-Castillo and Vargas-Escobar highlighted the lack of forensic evidence linking their clients to specific killings and noted Vargas-Escobar had left Las Vegas by January 2018.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Jurors could not decide on five killings linked to Perez-Manchame and left two counts, including the murder of Daniel Clark, undecided. No physical evidence directly tied Vargas-Escobar to any homicide. The defense repeatedly questioned the reliability of cooperating witness Alexander De Jesus Figueroa-Torres, who testified he shot a victim despite being labeled a liar.
Verbatim Quotes
- “wiping out violent gangs” in the U.S.” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
- “Eleven people are dead; 51 gunshot wounds, 537 stab wounds, 24 choppings. Those are just some of the injuries you are going to hear about in this trial,” — Melanee Smith, Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “They can rot in hell with whatever sentence they have.” — Cindy Towery, step-grandmother of victim Izaak Towery
- “This case comes down to whether you, the jury, can rely on testimony from men not only hoping but expecting to get reduced sentences by convincing the government that they have been useful,” — Andrea Luem, attorney for Perez-Manchame
Impact & Next Steps
The convictions impose life without parole and trigger potential removal proceedings. Prosecutors indicated the two mistrial counts may be retried. The sentencing hearing on Nov 10 2026 will determine the exact terms of imprisonment, while immigration authorities may pursue deportation if the men ever regain freedom.
