The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia announced the arrest of Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant, in connection with the shooting deaths of a Virginia couple in August. Medrano-Ortiz, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for the killing of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Wollett.
Medrano-Ortiz was apprehended in Alexandria’s Mount Vernon area following an incident reported on August 28. Early that morning, authorities responded to a call regarding a dispute in Sterling, Virginia. When police arrived, they found Conejero-Romera and Wollett suffering from gunshot wounds; both were transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
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
Sheriff Mike Chapman expressed strong opposition to MS-13’s presence, emphasizing that gang violence had previously declined in the area but appears to be resurging. “MS-13 is an El Salvador-based gang that uses intimidation, crime, and violence as tools of the trade,” said Chapman. “There should be no safe place for them here.”
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, who has been vocal about tackling gang violence in Loudoun County, said he first noticed a decrease in gang activity after taking office in 2012 but now sees worrying signs of its resurgence. The case has drawn local attention amid heightened concerns over gang violence and illegal immigration in the community.
Authorities are continuing to investigate to determine whether additional suspects may have been involved in the crime. A preliminary hearing for Medrano-Ortiz is scheduled for December 5.
