D.C. Drive-By Shooting Killing Alexandria Resident Leads To Gang Member's Conviction

WASHINGTON, DC — An MS-13 gang member was convicted in D.C. federal court for a 2015 drive-by shooting on an interstate that killed one Alexandria resident and injured another.

Oscar Ramos, 35, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of first degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to the May 28, 2015 shooting on Interstate 295 in D.C. Pedro Melendez Alvarado, 50, of Alexandria, died in the shooting. Miguel A. Rodriguez Carabantes, 50, of Alexandria, was wounded.

The guilty verdict by a Superior Court jury came after a six-day trial. According to prosecutors, Ramos was a passenger in a vehicle heading north on I-295 in southwest D.C. near Exit 1. The vehicle pulled alongside the vehicle of Alvarado, who was headed to work with Carabantes. Prosecutors say Ramos and another passenger opened fire on Alvarado’s car, striking the two victims.

Ramos was charged in 2021 after evidence determined he was one of the shooters. Prosecutors say Ramos believed Alvarado was involved in the death of Ramos' father years ago in El Salvador.

Sentencing is scheduled July 12.