MS-13 member gets 35 years for brutal murder of teen in East Boston

By adamg on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 7:45pm

A federal judge today sentenced Edwn "Demente" Diaz, 20, to 35 years in federal prison for being one of several MS-13 members who stabbed Cristofer Perez de la Cruz, 16, of Chelsea so brutally the tips of their knives broke off in his skull - as another gang member fired repeated rounds into him.

Diaz and the others were hoping to gain a promotion in the gang by murdering somebody they thought was a member of the rival 18th Street Gang. They lured Perez de la Cruz to Falcon Street in East Boston through a fake girl's account on Facebook, prosecutors say.

Diaz pleaded guilty in May, after federal prosecutors presented evidence from surveillance tapes in which he boasted of slcing the teen like "onions:"

Not content with a murder where the victim was stabbed four dozen times and shot multiple times, Diaz stated, "I want to go back and get that son of a bitch again, and do something worse."

Diaz was one of 61 alleged MS-13 members arrested in raids in 2016. He is the 45th person to either plead or be found guilty.

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Cristofer Perez de la Cruz

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Sentencing recommendation by prosecutors; details Perez de la Cruz's death	182.21 KB

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Comments

Great job to all law enforcement involved....

By Rostonian on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 10:37pm.

and for the super-woke, liberal progressives who continue to label anyone raising concerns about CRIMINAL immigrants (NOT ALL immigrants) as "Trumpies", here are some excerpts from the original indictment where this scumbag was picked up with 55 of his other lowlife buddies. With these predators off the streets (and out of the country) all residents (including other immigrants) are safer.

According to court documents, in 2012, MS-13 became the first, and remains the only, street gang to be designated by the United States government as a “transnational criminal organization.” Today, MS-13 is one of the largest criminal organizations in the United States, and is an international criminal organization with over 6,000 members in the United States, with a presence in at least forty-six states and the District of Columbia, as well as over 30,000 members internationally, mostly in El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. In Massachusetts, MS-13 is largely composed of immigrants and descendants of immigrants from El Salvador and has members operating throughout the Commonwealth, with higher concentrations in Chelsea, East Boston, Everett, Lynn, Revere, and Somerville.

The indictment further alleges that members of the MS-13 organization in Massachusetts sell cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, and commit robberies, in order to generate income to pay monthly dues to the incarcerated leadership of MS-13 in El Salvador. This money is allegedly used to pay for weapons, cell phones, shoes, food, and other supplies for MS-13 members in and out of jail in El Salvador.

,,,,Fifteen of the indicted defendants were already in custody on federal, state or immigration charges.

How much did all that straw set you back?

By adamg on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 11:52pm.

Couple of things:

Nobody is arguing to let criminals go. You built such a tall strawman you can't see what's in front of you anymore, but the local investigations and arrests were all in sanctuary cities, you know, like Boston, and involved local sanctuary-city police departments, you know, like BPD.

And the investigation was launched under the Obama administration. And the 61 arrests - the largest sweep of MS-13 ever. Again, under the Obama administration.

Shocking, I know.

And, yeah, Trumpies suck because they're only going to make all this harder, because no immigrant's going to want to cooperate with the law now and, sorry, your basic tall white-guy FBI agent is not going to be able to infiltrate a Central American gang.

I’ve Been Reporting on MS-13 for a Year. Here Are the 5 Things Trump Gets Most Wrong.

Basic tall white guys

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 12:12am.

"...and, sorry, your basic tall white-guy FBI agent is not going to be able to infiltrate a Central American gang."

You really think that's all they've got? "Basic tall white guys"? Don't be naive.

strawman?

By Rostonian on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 12:50am.

My comment started with thanks to all law enforcement involved - thought that was pretty clear.

And you are correct, nobody was arguing to let criminals go - I was stating that in today's environment, so-called progressives label anyone who points out the problem of immigrant criminal gangs as a racist or hate monger. Or try to deny the problem exists at all.

I have commended you before on your continued coverage Adam - no need to get so defensive. I am well aware that this sweep was started during the Obama administration - but like you said - it was local PDs that were responsible. Crime rings of this scale and reach impact all people in greater Boston, and should be covered. You do it well - better than other news outlets in fact.

However, it doesn't strengthen your argument to mention that these sweeps happened in sanctuary cities - they happen there because criminal immigrants know its easier to hide and prey on hard-working immigrants and other innocent citizens.

Oh and way wrap up your comment with a jab against "basic tall white FBI agents" - and their ability to do (or not do) their job based on their skin color alone,

Label and generalize much? Good lord, that's an interesting take.

so-called progressives label

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 9:42am.

so-called progressives label anyone who points out the problem of immigrant criminal gangs as a racist or hate monger. Or try to deny the problem exists at all.

here's your strawman. say hi! O/

"libs" or "so-called progressives" don't say this, but "Trumpies" and "MAGAts" sure love to claim that they do. targeting all immigrants because it's easy to portray them as gang members is what's racist, and that's what nativists are doing.

sanctuary cities - they happen there because criminal immigrants know its easier to hide and prey on hard-working immigrants and other innocent citizens.

also false and I believe you misunderstand the way sanctuary cities work or, more likely, are attempting to deliberately mischaracterize them. they are not catch-all safe-havens, they do not prevent ICE or the FBI from doing law enforcement work. this is a handy trope that nativists trot out because it serves their narrative that "so-called progressives" are "soft on crime" and are "with the immigrants" (which, in and of itself isn't bad, but when your entire platform is based on nativist racism, it means something very sinister to protect immigrants, doesn't it?)

immigrants do not go to sanctuary cities because they are sanctuary cities. it's the other way around. sanctuary cities are sanctuary cities because there are already large populations of immigrants there that city leaders know need protection from overzealous federal authorities. immigrants tend to settle in areas where they have family, friends, or know there are established communities.

finally, please realize that MS13 did not originate in El Salvador. It originated in US prisons. It is not a "foreign problem", it is very much our problem. Deporting or imprisoning people will not solve it, because it does absolutely nothing to address the structural socioeconomic problems (that we had a very large hand in causing) that keep the gangs going.
But it sure does feel good to deport brown people, doesn't it?

Sanctuary Cities ARE SAFER

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 10:09am.

Google it if you care to read actual facts.

But you don't seem to be the type who wants to be bothered by reality that clashes with what you beleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve!

woosh

By John-W on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 10:11am.

Missed the point. Your strawman is the idea that all those bleeding heart lib...er... progressives that speak in favor of respect for the basic human rights of immigrants are also in favor of protecting violent criminals - or at least willing to look the other way. Far from the truth. Many immigrant advocates are completely fine with federal law enforcement and local law enforcement getting organized crime out of our communities, including majority immigrant communities.

For many Central American immigrants they are fleeing their countries precisely because of these US-imported gangs in their countries of origin taking over. They come here under horrible conditions, live marginally because of their status and then find themselves (or more accurately their kids) victims of the same gangs they were escaping.

The operation that bagged this savage murderer involved a lot of law enforcement, netted a gaggle of assholes and didn't have any "by-catch" of innocent people who happen to be undocumented. Agents entered homes where they were undocumented people and ignored them as they had warrants for particular individuals on actual criminal charges, not administrative, immigration bullshit. This is what immigrant advocates want to see. So yes, you're tilting at a strawman argument, when you could just say "good job law enforcement."

As far as "tall white guys" - obviously there are Latinos in the FBI, just as there are black BPD officers - doesn't mean the community trusts them and provides info. Local law enforcement (and agencies like the FBI) not enforcing our inherently exploitative immigration legal system helps to build trust with immigrant communities - who are usually very appreciative and supportive of law enforcement, when they don't think they're trying to deport their families.

State Supreme Court said let them go

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 1:39pm.

Nobody is arguing to let criminals go.

Nobody but the highest court in the state. http://www.wbur.org/news/2017/07/24/sjc-ruling-sreynoun-lunn-case

Mass. High Court Rules Local Authorities Can't Detain People Solely On ICE Detainers

The landmark decision by the Supreme Judicial Court was hailed by immigrant activists and state Attorney General Maura Healey, who called it "a victory for the rule of law."

Then there are many examples of judges giving reduced sentences for crimes like heroin dealing so ICE won't deport them. Judges are also letting off drunk drivers so they won't be deported either.

Of course, with no wall, deported criminals just sneak right back in through our porous border, unless they can steal another identity and use that to get a visa.

Yes, and?

By adamg on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 4:15pm.

The SJC wasn't saying local authorities have to free every single person here from another country. It was saying local authorities cannot detain people based solely on the say so of ICE, an agency that has a less than spotless record for going after people.

It's worth nothing that in the current case, the one involving 61 MS-13 members, ICE had almost no role - it was all the FBI, US Attorney's office and local police and prosecutors.

One of the points of a sanctuary city declaration is to encourage members of the local immigrant communities to talk to police, because they won't be arrested if they've broken no local law, about local criminals.

many examples

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 9:17pm.

Then there are many examples of judges giving reduced sentences for crimes like heroin dealing so ICE won't deport them. Judges are also letting off drunk drivers so they won't be deported either.

okay.
cite them.

I like how you had to say

By Steeve on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 9:21am.

I like how you had to say this

all residents (including other immigrants) are safer.

...when MS-13 has never been a threat to residents outside of the immigrant (and second generation) community. And seeing "Trumpies" care about Salvadorans suddenly is rich. These victims are the same people are getting "womp womp" treatment when they try to escape the violence of El Salvador and submit asylum applications.

you are joking right?

By Rostonian on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 10:12am.

"MS-13 has never been a threat to residents outside of the immigrant (and second generation) community".....

Just like the Italian mob only was only a threat to other Italians right?

I realize you want to twist my comments but this one is just so far off the mark.

And if that is what you actually believe then you are sadly misinformed - or have never lived in a city.

Criminal organizations impact the lives of ALL residents - and get ready...people with conservative views on immigration DO actually care about immigrants.

and BTW, labeling people "trumpies" for wanting to have safer neighborhoods doesn't help in a dialogue.

MS-13 has never been a threat to outsiders?

By Waquiot on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 10:28am.

Tell that to the poor slob that got shot at Maverick Station in 2016.

For the life of me, I cannot fathom how people are suddenly understating the dangers MS-13 pose. Thankfully, Mr. Gaffin has a lick of sense.

One person

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 11:01am.

Makes nice anecdote.

Does not make for statistical understanding of anything.

Great

By Waquiot on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 7:44pm.

Unless you were the “anecdote”.

Why are people veering towards MS-13 being no big deal? At least Adam gets it.

Nobody says MS 13 isn't an issue

By anon on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 9:23am.

Danger to their community is enough to act on MS-13, but that doesn't mean we should all be paranoid about it. They ain't coming to my door or yours.

Just like I'm not concerned about priests raping my kids because most of that damage takes place in the Catholic community. Collateral damage is possible, but not common enough for super paranoia. It should, however, be prosecuted and those who covered up the crimes put in jail (ahem Cardinal Law ahem).

Then again, I could totally see you arguing that the pedophiles are "no big deal" because this is "a Catholic issue" and that the Globe and other papers are evil for making a big deal about cover ups of clergy rape?

Correction: Bystander shot ON the Blue Line Train

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 1:29pm.

Authorities played down the story headlines to make it sound like the shooting took place at Maverick Station, when it actually took place ON THE TRAIN where an innocent passenger was grazed ON THE HEAD while the shooter tried to hit a rival gang member. The rivals got off the train when it got to Maverick.

If the DA made clear people were getting shot on MBTA trains, the public might be afraid to ride the T or call for transit police on trains.

http://www.suffolkdistrictattorney.com/gunman-sentenced-in-double-shooti...

http://www.suffolkdistrictattorney.com/alleged-gunman-charged-in-maveric...

They didn't say "outsiders"

By boo_urns on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 2:47pm.

They said "residents outside of the immigrant community." One of the victims in the story you linked was a rival gang member, which I'm guessing is also latino (i.e. a resident of the immigrant community) and I can't find any identifying information about the other victim as it's not worded in the link.

What they didn't say is that MS-13 isn't dangerous. They actually say they're more dangerous to the communities they live in (largely communities of other immigrants).

Didn't we have an exchange of how a lot of the MS-13 conversation has largely been overstated, anyway? You'd asked about a Boston Globe article and I provided it. I can't imagine we'd have to rehash that conversation again so quickly? I'm certain your memory is better than that.

One makes a lot of assumptions

By Waquiot on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 3:03pm.

Particularly about the 42 year old that was injured in the shooting.

And while I thank you for providing a link earlier to the Globe's attempt to spin MS-13 from a terror of portions of the region to basically harmless, well, I've given my opinion of that article before and I believe I just gave it again.

One more thing

By Waquiot on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 7:48pm.

Back in the early 1990s, gangs like Castlegate, Intervale, and the Humboldt Raiders were not a danger to Bostonians who were not black. Are you going to claim that Boston was safe then? Or that it was wrong for law enforcement to go after them?

These are straw man arguments.

By boo_urns on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 9:03am.

But the point still stands that those groups were always a threat mainly to the communities that they were operating in or near.

I don't know how you'll ever try to say that I ever would claim that it would be wrong for law enforcement to actually enforce the law. Unless you're arguing in bad faith. And it really seems like you are.

It's a counterpoint to Steeve's argument

By Waquiot on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 9:23am.

And would have been a better one if I had made it sooner.

It's just that I can't stand the arguing that the threat of MS-13 is overblown. The same thing could be said about most similar criminal organizations. Winter Hill did not pose any threat to me back in the day, unless I got friendly with a rival or associate or happened to be in the vicinity when they were taking care of business. The enemies of the Humboldt Raiders mostly didn't attack law abiding citizens, and never went after white people, but they did kill Tiffany Moore. Yes, the threat to non-Latino residents is minimal, but that doesn't lessen their impact overall.

This is why I always thank Adam for keeping up on this. He's reported on a consistent basis, since back when certain Washington politicians didn't know what MS-13 was. For me, it seems that the only thing that has changed is the political view of a street gang. At the end of the day, MS-13 members killed or almost killed several people. I don't care where the victims came from. They were victims.

Right

By boo_urns on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 10:12am.

But that's not what's overblown. That threat is real and you're correct in thinking it. However, the actual concern is the way that it's been turned into a political talking point and peddled around as a means of festering, especially these days, fear of immigrants from non-white populations in general. Moreover, it's a "conservative, tough on crime" talking point that's doing nothing more than stoking xenophobia. That's the real issue of making it "overblown." It's the same dangerous whitewashing (no pun intended) tactic of profiling Muslims as terrorists.

I don't disagree with you

By Waquiot on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 10:20am.

But the insanity of our current political culture means things like demonizing immigrants as violent criminals (some are, but on average they are more law abiding) and the counterpoint that groups like MS-13 are not a threat overall detracts from the basic fact that MS-13 is bad.

Again, agreed,

By boo_urns on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 10:41am.

it's the projection that the right flings towards Democrats and those on the left that they embrace MS-13 is what I take issue with.

Alittle light reading with your straw...

By whyaduck on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 12:21pm.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/30/upshot/crime-immigration-...

As always, Adam

By Waquiot on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 11:00pm.

Thanks for the writeup.

Keep voting Democrat

By O-FISH-L on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 1:35am.

n/t

Thanks, I will

By BostonDog on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 6:17am.

Thanks for the suggestion Fish

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 8:28am.

Good to see you have finally come to your senses. Voting Democratic is a great idea!!!

so vote Russian instead?

By Frank Rizzo on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 9:17am.

so vote Russian instead?

Wow. Reading these comments

By anon on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 6:24am.

Wow. Reading these comments makes me just want to take a deep breath and say no matter what political side anyone is on, let"s just hope more MS13 gets caught and put away off our streets for good. That's all I want. I don't give a shit who gets credit for it. Obama, Trump, and the next president and the next one after that.

I agree with that

By SamWack on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 7:17am.

but I have lived under a lot of presidents, and only one has set out to delegitimize the FBI, declaring it to be corrupt and politicized, firing agents with long and untarnished records, all because it had the temerity to, under instructions from his own Justice Department, investigate him. MS13 is a dangerous criminal organization, but it poses no threat to American democracy. The same cannot be said of that other target of federal investigation.