MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced For Shooting

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — An MS-13 gang member was sentenced to life in prison Friday for killing a man he mistakenly believed was in a rival gang, authorities said. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy said Fernando Baires, 21, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Gamaliel Neiro Rico.

During the trial earlier this year prosecutors said that Baires and other MS-13 gang members persistently targeted a man who previously had ties to a rival gang in his native country. In April 2016 they waited for that man, who was returning home from a night out with friends and family, at a Chillum apartment. At least one gang member shot the intended target, who was injured but survived. His friend, Rico, 25, was shot and killed.

Baires was convicted of murder, attempted murder and participation in a gang resulting in death among other related charges.

“We shouldn’t have to be here. We want children to grow up and have a future. We don’t want mothers, fathers and siblings to have to lose their loved one and shed tears,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy following the sentencing. “At the same time this is a heinous crime and it is our job to prosecute it fully and get justice for the victims, which we did today.”

A co-defendant in the case, Darwin Naum Monroy Madrid, was also sentenced to life in prison in October of 2017.