On November 23, 2015, Pasqual Esteban, a 40-year-old male, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas, during a violent incident tied to the MS-13 gang. Esteban was pursued by three members of the MS-13 gang, who believed he was a rival. The suspects forced Esteban out of a vehicle on Harwin Drive and then shot him multiple times with a .40 caliber handgun, including a fatal shot to the back of the head. The motive for the killing was to gain higher ranks within the gang. The three suspects were eventually convicted and sentenced for their roles in the murder.
Jonathan Guevara, one of the assailants, was sentenced to 99 years in prison, while Giovani Antonio Herrera received 40 years as part of a plea deal. The getaway driver, Anival Guevara, received a 27-year sentence after his conviction. Despite the convictions, the violent nature of this crime serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by gang activity in major cities like Houston. MS-13 remains a feared criminal organization, known for its violent methods and broad reach across the United States and Central America.
