Man Sentenced For Brutal Murder In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—An Alexandria resident has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in a disturbing gang-related murder in 2015.

Investigations show Alvaro Saenz Castro, 23, and another attacked the victim, Jose Luis Perez-Ferman near a playground in Beverley Park on Nov. 8, 2015. The victim was found nearly decapitated with dozens of wounds, including chop wounds, incised wounds, and stab wounds.

The other attacker, Reinaldo Membreno Portillo pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The third person tried in the case was Leidi Granados Gutierrez, who authorities say lured the victim to the park. She was tried as an adult, convicted of compounding a felony, was sentenced to the juvenile justice system and given a suspended adult sentence after her release on conditions of supervised probation.

NBC Washington reports Saenz Castro and Granados Gutierrez were dating, and he found messages between her and the victim. He had intended to bring the victim to the park and tell him to stop talking to his girlfriend, but he admitted to attacking the victim with a small knife and machete. Reports indicate the victim's body was found the next day.

Saenz Castro had previously pleaded guilty to first degree murder. He received 15 years off the original 60-year sentence on condition of 20 years of supervised probation and not having contact with the victim's family and known gang members. He is currently at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center pending transfer to prison.

Image via City of Alexandria