A woman associated with MS-13 has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for her role in luring four young men to their slaughter by more than a dozen gang members in the New York City suburbs. Leniz Escobar, also known as “Diablita” or “Little Devil,” played a significant role in planning and executing the April 2017 massacre where victims were ambushed in a park on Long Island with machetes, knives, and tree limbs.
US Judge Joseph Bianco delivered the sentencing in Central Islip federal court, highlighting Escobar’s active participation in the brutal killings. Escobar, now 24 years old, was convicted in 2022 on charges of racketeering and murder in aid of racketeering. In court, she expressed remorse, acknowledging the pain she had caused and expressing a desire to trade places with the victims to alleviate the suffering of their families.
However, the families of the victims were unforgiving, with one mother, Bertha Ullaguari, stating that Escobar deserved the death penalty, not just 50 years in prison. Jason Tigre, the brother of one of the victims, described the impact of the loss, emphasizing that his brother had aspirations and potential that were cut short due to Escobar’s actions.
Escobar’s defence attorney argued for a lighter sentence, citing her troubled past marked by violence, abuse, and exploitation. Despite her tumultuous upbringing, Escobar had shown signs of personal growth while in custody, obtaining her high school degree and becoming a positive influence on fellow inmates. Prosecutors, on the other hand, pushed for a longer sentence, pointing out Escobar’s continued affiliation with MS-13 even after her arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Farrell highlighted Escobar’s pivotal role in initiating the massacre by identifying a social media post by one of the victims that offended her gang allegiance. Escobar’s actions led to the tragic events in the park, after which she boasted about her involvement and instructed others to cover up the evidence.
Escobar’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of gang-related violence and the lasting impact on victims’ families. Despite efforts at rehabilitation, Escobar’s active role in orchestrating the killings led to a harsh penalty that reflects the severity of her crimes.