Prince George’s County, Maryland — Four suspected members of the violent gang MS-13 have been indicted in connection with the killing of a 14-year-old boy whose remains were discovered months after he was reported missing, authorities said.
Prosecutors say the suspects allegedly lured the teen to a park in Prince George’s County before murdering him in what investigators believe was a gang-related attack.
Teen Reported Missing Before Remains Were Found
Authorities identified the victim as Jefferson Amaya-Ayala, a 14-year-old from Washington, D.C.
The teen was reported missing on Aug. 2, 2025, according to investigators.
Nearly three months later, on Nov. 3, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department discovered what appeared to be human remains inside a park in Prince George’s County.
The remains were later confirmed to belong to Amaya-Ayala.
Medical Examiner Rules Death a Homicide
Officials from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the teenager died from multiple injuries, officially ruling the death a homicide.
Investigators say evidence suggests the victim was deliberately lured to the park, where the attack occurred.
Authorities believe the teen knew at least one of the suspects, though the full motive remains under investigation.
Four Suspects Charged in the Case
According to prosecutors, four suspects have been indicted on multiple charges, including:
• First-degree murder
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
• Participation in a criminal organization
The suspects include:
• Jose Vladimir Merlos, 18
• Alam Josai Garcia-Padilla, 21
• William Cuellar Gutierrez, 19
• A 17-year-old suspect, whose name has not been publicly released due to age
Tara Jackson confirmed the indictments and said the suspects are believed to be affiliated with MS-13.
Federal Officials Confirm Gang Links
The Department of Homeland Security said the suspects are illegal immigrants and confirmed members of the MS-13 gang, a criminal organization known for violent crimes across the United States and Central America.
Investigators believe the killing may have been gang-related, though officials say the full circumstances surrounding the attack are still being examined.
Previous Arrests and Criminal History
Federal authorities said several of the suspects had prior encounters with law enforcement before the murder.
Merlos was previously arrested in Washington, D.C. for defacing property and possessing a prohibited weapon, after allegedly spray-painting MS-13 gang symbols on homes.
Garcia-Padilla had previously been convicted of attempted unlawful possession of ammunition in the District of Columbia.
Investigators said he was also found with fraudulent identification documents, including a fake lawful permanent resident card and Social Security card.
Cuellar Gutierrez had previously been arrested on multiple firearms-related charges, including possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying a pistol without a license.
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Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities say detectives were able to identify the suspects after conducting an extensive investigation into the teen’s disappearance.
Officials have not released further details about how the suspects allegedly carried out the attack.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors continue preparing for the upcoming legal proceedings.
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