Alleged MS-13 Members Face Life in Prison for Fatal Stabbing of Homeless Man in Maryland

Three alleged members of the notorious MS-13 gang, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, and Josue Mauricio Lainez, have been charged with racketeering conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking. The charges stem from the fatal stabbing of a homeless man in Hyattsville, Maryland, whose body was was discovered on July 5, 2024, in a used-car lot. Their initial appearance in the District of Maryland federal court signals a significant step in the ongoing investigation into gang-related violence.

Court documents reveal details of the brutal incident that occurred on July 4, 2024. Surveillance video captured Quijano-Casco and another individual initially approaching the victim, who reportedly wielded a metal pole. Approximately 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco allegedly returned with Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and an unidentified person, proceeding to attack the victim inside a blue Dodge Caravan. The victim was later found deceased with a stab wound to the neck, having not exited the vehicle after the assault.

The accused, Quijano-Casco, 24, and Villanueva-Bautista, 19, both from El Salvador, along with Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, face severe penalties. They are charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, which explicitly includes the July 4, 2024, murder. If convicted on these federal charges, the three individuals could face a maximum sentence of life in prison, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes strongly condemned the violence, stating, > "The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life." Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti further emphasized the calculated nature of the crime, adding, > "Instead of simply walking away from an altercation with a homeless man, defendants returned to the scene and allegedly murdered the victim while he was sitting calmly inside a vehicle."

MS-13, or La Mara Salvatrucha, is widely recognized as a highly violent transnational criminal organization with roots in Los Angeles, known for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal acts of violence. This particular murder is believed by authorities to have been committed to elevate the suspects' status and gain rewards within the gang hierarchy. Law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to disrupting such criminal enterprises.

Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista were arrested on August 23, 2024, with Quijano-Casco reportedly admitting to the stabbing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prince George’s County Police Department are leading the ongoing investigation. Officials reiterate their commitment to relentlessly pursuing those who engage in violent criminal activity and working to dismantle organizations that threaten community safety.