2 MS-13 Members Convicted Of Nassau Murder

Two members of MS-13 were convicted of all the charges against them on Monday for a fatal shooting that occurred in Hempstead in March 2017.

Carlos Flores, 26, of Hempstead, and Pedro Rivera, 25, a homeless man, were both convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The two are due back in court on Sept. 30, and are each facing a maximum sentence of 65 years to life in prison.

“Today’s verdict ensures that these MS-13 murderers will be held accountable for the cold-blooded murder of Nelson Rodriguez,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “MS-13 is on the run because of the relentless and collaborative work of law enforcement at every level, and this case sends a clear message that those who commit this kind of heinous crime will be face the full weight of our justice system.”

According to Singas, on March 20, 2017, Flores and Rivera, as well as others, drove from Hempstead to Uniondale looking for a member of the 14th Street gang to murder. They were looking to kill a rival gang member in retaliation for an assault on an MS-13 member.

The group eventually found 39-year-old Nelson Rodriguez, of Hempstead, who was walking home from his job at an auto body shop on Front Street. Rodriguez was not a member of the 14th Street gang, but Flores still ordered Rivera, who had a gun, to kill him because he was a perceived victim of MS-13.

Rivera got out of the car and started walking toward Rodriguez. He passed him, then turned around and shot Rodriguez once in the head and then once in the back after he fell to the ground.

Multiple witnesses called 911, and Rodriguez was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center, where later died.

Rivera was arrested on July 18, 2017, and Flores was arrested on Oct. 19, 2018. A third co-defendant, Hector Lazo, was already convicted and is awaiting sentencing.