Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray, a 27-year-old Salvadoran national and MS-13 gang member, was sentenced to life in prison on October 22, 2024, after being convicted of multiple murders committed as part of a racketeering conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia confirmed Candray’s conviction on charges of racketeering conspiracy, five counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, five counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and three counts of using a firearm during a violent crime that resulted in death.
Crimes and Details of the Conviction
Candray’s violent acts spanned several years, and he was involved in a series of killings that were intended to extend the influence of the MS-13 gang in Virginia. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Candray, along with other MS-13 members, carried out these murders as part of their criminal operations, targeting individuals they deemed a threat to their authority or territory.
June 23, 2019: Candray and his associates killed an individual, identified as J.L.G.M., using a 9mm and a .45 caliber firearm in Reston, Virginia.
September 17, 2020: Candray and others lured an individual, I.J.P.G., to a location in Colts Neck Road, where they shot and killed her after accusing her of being linked to a rival gang.
March 11, 2021: Candray tracked down and fatally shot S.A.T.L., a suspected rival gang member, at a Reston apartment complex.
May 30, 2022: In a violent encounter near Lerner Springs at Reston Apartment Homes, Candray and co-conspirators killed R.A.P.S. by blunt force trauma.
June 18, 2022: Candray and others targeted F.R.A.R., whom they believed had disrespected MS-13. They beat him with a baseball bat, stabbed him, dismembered his body, and buried his remains in Seneca Regional Park.
A Gang Member’s Violent Legacy
The murders that Candray committed were all part of MS-13’s violent efforts to assert dominance over their territory and eliminate perceived threats, rival gang members, and anyone disrespecting their operations. The gang’s brutal tactics, including shooting, stabbing, and dismembering victims, highlighted the extreme nature of their activities.
The Sentence and Its Implications
The life sentence handed down to Candray on October 22, 2024, ensures that he will spend the rest of his life in prison. As one of the key figures involved in the racketeering conspiracy, his conviction marks a significant victory in the U.S. government’s efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal organizations like MS-13.
Candray’s life sentence, without the possibility of parole, demonstrates the government’s commitment to holding gang members accountable for their actions. It sends a strong message to other criminal organizations that law enforcement is committed to putting an end to gang violence and protecting communities from such threats.
A Step Toward Justice for Victims
Candray’s case is a reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence and the tireless work of law enforcement in prosecuting those responsible for such crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts between agencies that led to Candray’s conviction, underlining the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
While Candray’s life sentence brings justice for the victims, the fight to combat MS-13 and similar criminal organizations continues. Federal authorities are determined to reduce gang violence and prevent future deaths from organized crime, ensuring safer communities for all.
Conclusion
Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray’s conviction and life sentence are significant steps in the ongoing efforts to dismantle MS-13 and other dangerous criminal enterprises. His actions have caused irreversible harm, but his conviction also represents a beacon of hope for those working to end the devastating cycle of gang violence. The battle against gang-related violence continues, and justice is being pursued for the victims who have suffered at the hands of such ruthless individuals.
