BRENTWOOD, NY – Jairo “Funny” Saenz, a high-ranking member of MS-13 pleaded guilty to federal charges, including seven murders, in a Central Islip court Tuesday.
Among the victims were high school students Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, killed in 2016. Saenz, originally from El Salvador, admitted his actions through a translator, acknowledging their wrongfulness. He faces a prison sentence ranging from 40 to 60 years as part of a plea agreement.
Prosecutors identified Saenz as the second-in-command of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside clique, operating in Brentwood and Central Islip. His brother, Alexi “Blasty” Saenz, the clique’s leader, previously pleaded guilty to similar charges and is awaiting sentencing.
The brothers orchestrated the killings to ascend within the MS-13 hierarchy and enhance their group’s notoriety.
Family members of the victims expressed mixed feelings about the plea deal. George Johnson, father of Michael Johnson, a 29-year-old victim killed in 2016, acknowledged that while some justice was served, it was not to his satisfaction. Elizabeth Alvarado, mother of Nisa Mickens, lamented the loss of her daughter, who was one day shy of her 16th birthday and had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian or nurse.
The 2016 murders of Mickens and Cuevas drew national attention, with then-President Donald Trump calling for the death penalty for those responsible and attributing the violence to lax immigration policies. Other victims linked to the case include Javier Castillo, 15, and Oscar Acosta, 19, both killed in 2016. Saenz’s plea also encompasses involvement in three attempted murders, arson, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and a conspiracy to kill Marcus Bohannon, who was murdered by other MS-13 members in 2016.
Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny described Saenz’s actions as “barbaric” and expressed hope that the guilty plea would provide some solace to the victims’ families.
