Alexi Saenz, a 29-year-old MS-13 gang member, savagely attacked high school girls with a bat and machete in a horrible New York homicide. He confessed to charges of racketeering, which included the brutal beating deaths of Kayla Cuevas, 16, and Nisa Mickens, 15, in their Long Island neighborhood in 2016.
Saenz said little during his plea. Saenz admitted to ordering or supporting the murder of rivals and people who had mistreated his gang, according to his lawyer’s statement.
A group of young males followed them in a car and attacked the victims, who were friends and classmates at Brentwood High School. A machete and bat killed Kayla and Nisa.
Freddy Cuevas, Kayla’s father, expressed regret over the abolition of the death penalty, calling Saenz “an animal” and “inhumane.” Nisa’s mother, Elizabeth Alvarado, desired serenity for her daughter.
Unfortunately, Kayla’s mother, Evelyn Rodriguez, became an anti-gang crusader after her daughter’s death in 2018. The murders attracted global attention during President Trump’s administration, when he emphasized MS-13 crime and campaigned for tough punishments.
The deaths also sparked questions about how Long Island police handled gang threats. The discovery of other bodies emphasized the gang’s influence.
Although Saenz was not present during the murders, he spoke with gang members about the attacks. He admits to further killings and faces a lengthy prison term.
MS-13, which began in El Salvador, has brought violence and dread to Long Island communities.
George Johnson, the victim’s father, condemned Saenz’s conduct in court, stating, “He should die in there.”
