Virginia authorities have charged Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant, in the shooting deaths of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Wollett in Loudoun County. Medrano-Ortiz, 18, is charged with second-degree murder and using a firearm in a felony for the tragic incident that took place on August 28.
Responding to a 4:30 a.m. call about an argument in Sterling, Virginia, officers found the couple with gunshot wounds; they later died in the hospital. Medrano-Ortiz was apprehended in Alexandria’s Mount Vernon area and now faces serious charges in the case.
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 denounced MS-13’s violent influence, describing the gang as an organization that “uses intimidation, crime, and violence.” Chapman said he had worked to reduce gang activity in the area since taking office in 2012 but is now concerned about a potential resurgence.
Chapman, a longstanding advocate for community safety, voiced frustration over MS-13’s recent activity, asserting that “there should be no safe place” for such gangs in local neighborhoods. The sheriff’s department continues to investigate, with a preliminary hearing set for December 5.
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
This case has renewed discussions on the role of illegal immigration in local crime, with calls for enhanced measures to prevent gang-related violence from impacting vulnerable communities. Local leaders stress that stronger enforcement is necessary to maintain public safety in the wake of these tragic events.
