
An alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant, Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, has been charged with the murder of a Virginia couple, authorities in Loudoun County reported. Medrano-Ortiz, 18, faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for the deaths of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Wollett.
Police say the incident occurred on August 28 in Sterling, Virginia, after they received an early morning report of an argument in the Ridgetop Circle area. When officers arrived, they found the couple with gunshot wounds; both were taken to the hospital, where they later died.
Did y'all know, a mere few miles from downtown DC is the third largest concentration of MS-13 in the country? Yup. Right here in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Ask a local about it? Clueless. Very Stepford. pic.twitter.com/bdEpCvmh94
— 🇺🇸🍊🧡southerngalpal 🧡🍊🇺🇸 (@belleofva) October 28, 2024
Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman voiced his concerns about MS-13’s influence in the community. “MS-13 is an El Salvador-based gang that uses intimidation, crime, and violence as tools of the trade, and there should be no safe place for them here,” he stated. Chapman noted that gang violence had subsided in Loudoun County over the past decade but now seems to be reemerging.
Northern Virginia has been overrun by members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. That's one reason violent crime in our communities has risen 200-300% since 2019.
If you elect Jerry Torres to Congress, he'll stop the invasion.https://t.co/kVXcVspXsB
— Jerry Torres for Congress (VA-8) (@jerryuscongress) October 28, 2024
Chapman, a longtime advocate for tackling gang-related violence, expressed frustration over MS-13’s continued presence, despite previous efforts to curb gang activity in the county. “It seems to me that it’s starting to pick up again,” he added, highlighting the need for renewed community safety efforts.
The sheriff’s office has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities assessing whether other individuals were involved in the crime. Medrano-Ortiz is set to appear for a preliminary hearing on December 5.