MS-13 Members Plead Guilty In Hempstead Lake Park Assault

Three MS-13 members pleaded guilty this week to attempted murder charges for a 2016 attack in Hempstead Lake State Park that injured three teenagers.

Christian Samuel Rodriguez, aka Stricto; Gerson STanley Juarez, aka Angel Black; and Evilson Edgardo Orellana, aka spider, all pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder charges, and are due back to court in early February for sentencing.

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Rodriguez is expected to be sentenced to nine years in prison and five years post-release supervision, Juarez is likely to be sentenced to 18 years in prison and five years post-release supervision and Orellana is expectd to be sentenced to eight years in prison and five years post-release supervision.

“MS-13 has terrorized our immigrant communities, killed innocent people and relentlessly targeted pre-teens for recruitment,” said Singas. “Three high school students were simply in the park to play soccer when these vicious gang members assaulted them with machetes in an unprovoked attack. My office will use every resource at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle MS-13 in Nassau County.”

According to Singas, on May 23, 2016, three teens were walking in Hempstead Lake State Park when they were approached by a group of MS-13 members, who then attacked him. Before the attack started, the gang members were yelling at the teens, saying "La Mara" and making MS-13 gang signs.

During the attack, Orellana chased one of the teens while holding a machete and slashed him, causing a serious wound to his lower back. Juarez chased two of the other victims, slashing them in the back as well, and causing gaping wounds.

Three other gang members previously pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for their roles in the assault.

Stanley Gerson Juarez, left, Evilson Orellana and Christian Rodriguez. Photos courtesy Nassau County District Attorney's Office.