On the evening of March 20, 2017, Nelson Rodriguez, a 37-year-old Hispanic man, was walking home from his job at an auto body shop on Front Street in Hempstead, New York. His life was unexpectedly and tragically cut short in a case of mistaken identity. Members of the MS-13 gang, seeking retaliation against the rival 14th Street Gang for a prior assault, had been driving around the area looking for a target.
The leader of the Hempstead Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13, Ramon Martines,
was in a vehicle with fellow gang members Pedro Rivera and Carlos Flores. They spotted Rodriguez and, although he had no gang affiliation, they perceived him as an enemy. Martines ordered Rivera, who was armed, to kill him. Rivera exited the car, walked past Rodriguez, then turned and shot him in the back of the head. After Rodriguez fell, Rivera shot him again in the back. Witnesses called 911, and Rodriguez was transported to Nassau County University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the senseless murder led to the arrests of several MS-13 members. Pedro Rivera and Carlos Flores were arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Following a trial, they were both convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Another accomplice, Hector Lazo, was also arrested and is awaiting sentencing for his role in the crime.
Ramon Martines, the gang leader who ordered the killing, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree conspiracy. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The successful prosecution of the individuals involved in Nelson Rodriguez's murder was the result of a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and federal agencies, highlighting a continued commitment to combating gang violence in the community.
