Two guilty in gang killing

A jury yesterday convicted two MS-13 gang members in the 2003 killing of a 17-year-old pregnant gang member in western Virginia.

After nearly four days of deliberations, the jury acquitted two other MS-13 gang members of the July 13, 2003, stabbing death of Brenda Paz.

One of those acquitted was Denis Rivera, who prosecutors argued masterminded Miss Paz’s murder. Miss Paz was to have testified at another murder trial for Rivera, who was in jail at the time of her death.

The same jury, made up of five women and seven men, on Monday will return to U.S. District Court in Alexandria to begin the penalty phase of the trial for Ismael J. Cisneros, 26, and Oscar A. Grande, 22. Both men could face the death penalty.

Defense attorneys yesterday were elated that the trial ended with the acquittal of Rivera, 22, and Oscar Garcia-Orellana, 32, the only defendant to testify during the trial.

“We are just overjoyed and excited about the verdict,” said Frank Salvato, attorney for Garcia-Orellana.

Garcia-Orellana still faces immigration charges, which could result in deportation to his native El Salvador.

Deportation could be dangerous for MS-13 gang members, because MS-13 gangs assassinate those members who return to El Salvador, said Alex Levay, an attorney who also represented Garcia-Orellana.

“This is not a victory for MS-13,” Mr. Levay said.

Rivera is serving life in prison after being convicted in the murder case in which Miss Paz was supposed to testify.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. McNulty said the guilty verdicts showed a major advance in a battle against crimes committed by gangs, especially MS-13.

MS-13 is also known as Mara Salvatrucha and is the largest and most violent gang in Northern Virginia.

“Gang violence in Northern Virginia is becoming one of our most pressing crime problems,” Mr. McNulty said. “Our law-enforcement agencies are united in their commitment to defeat this threat of ruthless violence in our community.”

None of the men’s friends or relatives were in court when the verdicts were announced yesterday afternoon.

Garcia-Orellana’s mother and girlfriend had testified in his behalf.

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