MS-13 Murders of NoVA Students: Stabbed 100+ Times, Set on Fire, Buried in Parks
Between 2016 and 2019, MS-13 gang members murdered multiple school-age teens in Northern Virginia. Victims were stabbed over 100 times, beaten with machetes and pick axes, set on fire, and buried in local parks. Multiple murders were filmed on cellphones and sent to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador for gang promotions. An estimated 80% of MS-13 recruitment occurs in middle and high schools (Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force).
Key Facts
Timeline of Events
Every date and fact below is cited to its source. Click the bracketed links to verify.
Carlos Otero-Henriquez (18) murdered by MS-13
Carlos Otero-Henriquez (18) of Leesburg was lured by MS-13 after posting 18th Street gang signs on Facebook. He was driven to a quarry near Harpers Ferry and stabbed more than 50 times. Six gang members were later convicted, with four sentenced to mandatory life in prison.
Edvin Escobar Mendez (17) murdered — stabbed 100+ times
Edvin Escobar Mendez (17) of Falls Church was killed by MS-13 members who believed he was spying for a rival gang. He was stabbed more than 100 times with machetes, pick axes, and knives. His legs were broken to fit him into a pre-dug grave in Holmes Run Park. The killing was recorded on cellphone video for gang promotions.
Sergio Arita Triminio (14) murdered — buried in same park
Sergio Arita Triminio (14) of Alexandria was taken from outside his home while taking out the trash and brought to the same park. MS-13 falsely believed he was a police informant. He was stabbed multiple times and buried. The bodies of both Sergio and Edvin were discovered on March 3, 2017. Five MS-13 members were sentenced to life in prison in November 2022.
Damaris Reyes Rivas (15) murdered — attack filmed
Damaris Reyes Rivas (15) was lured to Lake Accotink Park in Springfield by 10 MS-13 members. She was beaten and stabbed 19 times. Her body was covered with railroad ties. The attack was recorded on video. According to WTOP, Iraheta told the victim she would “see her in hell.” During her police confession, Iraheta told officers “don’t forget my name.” Iraheta was sentenced to 40 years.
Jacson Pineda-Chicas (16) murdered for trying to leave MS-13
Jacson Pineda-Chicas (16), a student at Falls Church High School, was murdered for trying to leave MS-13. He was stabbed approximately 100 times. His body was dumped in Fredericksburg, Virginia and set on fire. Multiple defendants were convicted, with at least one sentenced to life in prison.
What Went Wrong
Gang Recruitment in Schools
80% of MS-13 recruitment occurs in middle and high schools (Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force), with recruitment documented as early as elementary school.
Students Killed for Trying to Leave
Jacson Pineda-Chicas was a Falls Church HS student murdered for trying to exit the gang. There was no safe pathway out.
Murders Filmed for Promotions
Multiple murders were recorded on cellphone video and sent to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador so perpetrators could be 'promoted.'
No School-Based Intervention
Despite known gang recruitment in schools, there is no evidence these students received intervention or protection through school channels.
All Sources
Every fact on this page is sourced from the following reporting. We encourage you to read the original articles and verify every claim.
- DOJ — MS-13 members sentenced for kidnapping and murdering two juveniles: justice.gov
- Washington Post — MS-13 members sentenced to life: washingtonpost.com
- WTOP — Alexandria teen sentenced to 40 years: wtop.com
- Annandale Today — Falls Church HS student murdered by MS-13: annandaletoday.com
- DOJ — MS-13 member sentenced to life: justice.gov
- Fox News — MS-13 member told teen girl “don’t forget my name”: foxnews.com
- Washington Post — Gang signs on Facebook got him killed: washingtonpost.com
These were children. Stabbed, burned, buried. Recruited and killed through our schools.
MS-13 recruits in our schools. They murdered students as young as 14. They filmed the killings for gang promotions. And there is still no systematic school-based intervention to stop it.
Related Incidents
Rachel Carson Middle School Gang Rape Cover-Up
A 12-year-old girl alleged she was gang raped over five months. Staff told her to 'be a big girl.' Five staffers involved still worked at FCPS a decade later. Federal OCR reprimanded the superintendent.
Assistant Principal Charged for Covering Up Assaults on Special Ed Students
Special ed teacher Elizabeth Nagagata assaulted three students over seven months. Assistant Principal Dana Chen received complaints but failed to report to police or CPS as required by law. Both were charged.
Student Stabbed at West Potomac HS — Parents Warned of 'Fight Club' Culture
A 15-year-old stabbed a 16-year-old in a hallway fight, causing life-threatening injuries. A parent described an ongoing 'fight club' culture in bathrooms and said she repeatedly warned staff but was ignored.