MS-13 Member Sentenced to 55 Years for Quadruple Murder in Central Islip, Long Island
A member of the MS-13 street gang has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for his role in a quadruple homicide that occurred in Central Islip, New York, in 2017. Omar Antonio Villalta, now 29 years old, admitted to his involvement in the brutal killings of four young men: 16-year-old Justin Llivicura, 20-year-old Michael Lopez Banega, 18-year-old Jorge Tigre, and 18-year-old Jefferson Villalobos. The murders took place on April 11, 2017, in a local park, a setting that became the backdrop for a premeditated act of violence that shocked the community.
In a plea agreement reached earlier in 2023, Villalta acknowledged his culpability in the slayings, which were fueled by the victims being perceived as rival gang members. Investigators noted that the victims were lured to the park under the false pretense of socializing and smoking marijuana. Upon their arrival, they were ambushed by a group of over a dozen MS-13 associates who proceeded to viciously attack them. The significant number of participants in the assault highlighted the gang’s pervasive influence and the orchestrated nature of the crime.
The incident has prompted lengthy prison sentences for numerous MS-13 members in connection with these killings. Among those sentenced was Leniz Escobar, who received 50 years for her role in luring the young men to their deaths. In contrast, another accomplice, Keyli Gomez, testified against Escobar and received a significantly lowered sentence of 12 years, reflecting a common prosecutorial strategy to secure testimonies that might lead to further convictions.
Several other gang members involved in the attack have also faced significant penalties. Freiri Martinez, who was just 15 years old at the time, was sentenced to 50 years in prison, while Josue Portillo, another teenager implicated in the murders, received a 55-year sentence. Other gang associates, including Anderson Sanchez and Alexis Hernandez, were sentenced to 32 and 29 years, respectively.
The sentencing of Villalta and his associates underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating gang violence on Long Island and the serious repercussions of gang-related activities within local communities. The authorities continue to focus on strategies to dismantle gangs like MS-13, which have been linked to multiple violent crimes in the region. As the legal proceedings continue, the hope remains that justice for the victims and their families will contribute to restoring community safety.
