Los Angeles, California, December 19, 2025
Two 15-year-old gang members from Los Angeles have pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges for acting as hitmen for the Sinaloa cartel. Their actions included an attempted shooting and the deadly involvement of an accomplice. This case highlights the exploitation of legal loopholes by criminal organizations to recruit minors for violent crimes, raising serious concerns about juvenile justice in California.
Los Angeles Teen Gang Members Plead Guilty to Cartel-Linked Shootings
Los Angeles, California – Two 15-year-old gang members from the Los Angeles area have pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges, admitting they acted as hired hitmen for Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. The teenagers, members of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas gang, were promised approximately $50,000 each for their involvement in the shootings.
Details of the Shootings
On March 27, 2024, the teens traveled from Wilmington, California, to Chula Vista, a suburb of San Diego, to carry out the first attempt. At a Chili’s restaurant, they shot at their target in the parking lot, injuring his legs. Later that night, they returned to the target’s residence with an older accomplice. They fired shots into the residence, injuring one person. In response, the resident shot and killed the accomplice in self-defense. The teenagers have pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of the target and the murder of their accomplice, a “provocative-act murder” charge, meaning their actions led to the accomplice’s death. They face charges of murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carry potential life sentences or the death penalty. Authorities noted that the teens were chosen for the job because California law prohibits adult prosecution of those under 16, a loophole exploited by criminal organizations. FBI agent Mark Dargis condemned the use of minors for violent acts to evade harsher penalties.
Background on the Westside Wilmas Gang
The Westside Wilmas gang is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, a powerful criminal organization operating in Southern California. The gang is involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, weapons distribution, and violent crimes. The use of minors in criminal enterprises is a tactic employed by such organizations to evade stricter penalties associated with adult offenders.
Legal Implications and Responses
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing juvenile involvement in organized crime. In 2018, California enacted Senate Bill 1391, which made it difficult to prosecute 14- and 15-year-olds in adult criminal court, regardless of the crime’s severity. This legislation has been criticized for creating incentives for criminal organizations to recruit minors for serious offenses. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the need for federal prosecution of juveniles involved in violent acts on behalf of cartels and gangs.
Conclusion
The guilty pleas of the two teenagers underscore the ongoing issue of juvenile involvement in organized crime and the exploitation of legal loopholes by criminal enterprises. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the safety and security of communities.
FAQ
- What charges did the two teenagers plead guilty to?
- The teenagers pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges, admitting they acted as hired hitmen for Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.
- What is the Westside Wilmas gang?
- The Westside Wilmas gang is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, a powerful criminal organization operating in Southern California. The gang is involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, weapons distribution, and violent crimes.
- What is Senate Bill 1391?
- Senate Bill 1391, enacted in 2018, made it difficult to prosecute 14- and 15-year-olds in adult criminal court in California, regardless of the crime’s severity. This legislation has been criticized for creating incentives for criminal organizations to recruit minors for serious offenses.
- What are the potential penalties for the charges?
- The charges carry potential life sentences or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
- How does this case highlight challenges in addressing juvenile involvement in organized crime?
- The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing juvenile involvement in organized crime and the exploitation of legal loopholes by criminal enterprises. It highlights the need for effective strategies to prevent minors from being recruited for serious offenses.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Defendants | Two 15-year-old gang members from the Los Angeles area |
| Gang Affiliation | Westside Wilmas, affiliated with the Mexican Mafia |
| Charges | Murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering |
| Victim | Target of the Sinaloa cartel |
| Incident Date | March 27, 2024 |
| Location of Incident | Chula Vista, California |
| Outcome | Guilty pleas; potential life sentences or death penalty |
| Legislative Context | California’s Senate Bill 1391 affecting juvenile prosecution |
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