In the pre-dawn hours of September 5, 2016, the life of 27-year-old Marcus Bohannon was tragically cut short in a hail of bullets on a street in Central Islip, New York. Bohannon, a male resident of Central Islip, was walking south on Lowell Avenue at Ash Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. when he was fatally shot. Concerned neighbors who heard the gunshots promptly called the police. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Bohannon lying in the street.
A physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office pronounced him dead at the scene.
The investigation into Bohannon's death revealed a case of mistaken identity in a brutal campaign of gang violence. On the evening of September 4, 2016, members of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside and Hollywood Locos Salvatruchas cliques of the MS-13 gang convened at a residence in Central Islip. Following this meeting, they set out in multiple vehicles to hunt for rival gang members. It was during this city-wide search that Alexi Saenz's group spotted Marcus Bohannon walking alone. Wrongfully suspecting him of being a member of the rival Bloods gang, two MS-13 members exited their vehicle, approached Bohannon, and opened fire. He was struck nine times, with wounds to his head, neck, and chest.
The relentless investigation by law enforcement eventually led to the apprehension of those responsible for this senseless act of violence. Alexi Saenz, also known as 'Blasty' and 'Plaky,' a leader of the Brentwood/Central Islip chapter of the Sailors clique, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges connected to his involvement in eight murders, including that of Marcus Bohannon. He was subsequently sentenced to 68 years in prison for his role in the string of brutal crimes that terrorized the communities of Brentwood and Central Islip.
Other members of the MS-13 gang have also been held accountable for their roles in the murder of Marcus Bohannon. Kevin Torres, also known as “Inquieto” and “Quieto,” and Oseas Gonzalez, known as “Manota” and “Cordero,” were charged with his murder. Jairo Saenz, a high-ranking member of the Sailors clique, also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to kill Marcus Bohannon, among other charges related to a series of violent crimes. The investigation and subsequent prosecutions underscored the indiscriminate and ruthless nature of the gang's activities on Long Island.
