MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Two Murders on Long Island

A notorious member of the MS-13 gang has admitted to orchestrating two brutal murders in Long Island in 2016, using deceptive tactics to lure victims under false pretenses.

Kevin Cuevas Del Cid, 25, also known as “Malcriado” and “Sombra,” pleaded guilty to the killings along with associated charges of racketeering and drug conspiracy. Prosecutors revealed that Del Cid was responsible for setting up fake social media profiles to attract and trap vulnerable victims.

In the first incident, Del Cid used a fake Facebook account pretending to be a young girl to entice Kerin Pineda, suspecting him of affiliation with a rival gang, to meet in a wooded area near Merrick. Once there, Pineda was attacked by Del Cid and fellow gang members, who hacked him with machetes before burying his body in a pre-dug hole.

The second slaying involved convincing 15-year-old Javier Castillo to meet in Cow Meadow Park to smoke marijuana. Castillo, believed to be linked to a rival gang, was murdered and buried at the scene, where his body remained undiscovered until a year later.

Repercussions and Gang Context

Del Cid, who was only 16 at the time of the second murder, faces significant legal consequences for his actions. His guilty plea highlights the violent reputation of MS-13, a gang that originated in Central America and has established a strong presence in parts of the United States, including Long Island.

“The murders committed by Del Cid exemplify MS-13’s brutal tactics designed to intimidate and eliminate perceived threats,” said an FBI official. Prosecutors emphasized that these acts reflect the gang’s ruthless commitment to violence and the complete disregard for human life.