On a summer evening in Richmond, Virginia, the life of 18-year-old Osbin Noel Hernandez-Gonzales was tragically cut short. On July 24, 2011, he was lured to the 'Pony Pasture' area along the James River under a deceptive pretext, a ruse that would end in his murder. This violent act was not random but a calculated execution orchestrated by a leader of the notorious MS-13 gang.
Hernandez-Gonzales, a male of Hispanic ethnicity, was suspected by the gang of violating their rules by associating with a rival group.
The plan to end Hernandez-Gonzales's life was masterminded by Jose Armando Bran, also known as 'Pantro,' the leader of MS-13's Sailors Locos Salvatrucha clique in Richmond. To set the trap, Bran enlisted the help of a female associate, Karen San Jose, to contact Hernandez-Gonzales and convince him to meet with other MS-13 members. Two juveniles, Luis Cabello and Jeremy Soto, were tasked with the grim role of carrying out the actual killing. To ensure the deadly 'mission' was completed, Bran instructed another gang member, Michael Arevalo, known as 'Reptile,' to accompany the young assailants.
In the aftermath of the murder, an investigation led by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, and the Richmond Police Department unraveled the conspiracy. The investigation resulted in the arrest and prosecution of those involved. Jose Armando Bran was convicted by a federal jury on charges including murder and maiming in aid of racketeering. He received a life sentence for his role in orchestrating the killing. Michael Arevalo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in murder, also receiving a life sentence plus an additional 10 years. Karen San Jose and other members of the MS-13 clique were also convicted and sentenced for their various roles in the gang's violent activities.
