
Loudoun County officials have arrested Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant, in the shooting deaths of a Virginia couple. Medrano-Ortiz, 18, faces second-degree murder and firearm charges related to the August killing of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Wollett.
On August 28, officers responded to a call about an argument in Sterling, Virginia. The couple was found with gunshot wounds and later died in the hospital. Authorities arrested Medrano-Ortiz in Alexandria’s Mount Vernon area following a swift investigation.
Did y'all know, a mere few miles from downtown DC is the third largest concentration of MS-13 in the country? Yup. Right here in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Ask a local about it? Clueless. Very Stepford. pic.twitter.com/bdEpCvmh94
— 🇺🇸🍊🧡southerngalpal 🧡🍊🇺🇸 (@belleofva) October 28, 2024
Sheriff Mike Chapman has been vocal in his opposition to MS-13’s influence, stating, “MS-13 is an El Salvador-based gang that uses intimidation, crime, and violence.” Chapman added that the recent crimes reflect an unsettling resurgence in gang activity within Loudoun County after years of relatively low gang-related incidents.
Chapman, who has long fought to curb gang violence, emphasized that MS-13 should have “no safe place” in the community. He expressed concern over the gang’s recent presence, as Loudoun County residents look for reassurance that authorities are taking steps to secure their neighborhoods.
Northern Virginia has been overrun by members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. That's one reason violent crime in our communities has risen 200-300% since 2019.
If you elect Jerry Torres to Congress, he'll stop the invasion.https://t.co/kVXcVspXsB
— Jerry Torres for Congress (VA-8) (@jerryuscongress) October 28, 2024
Law enforcement is investigating further to determine if other suspects were involved in the crime. Medrano-Ortiz is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 5, with local officials emphasizing the need for stronger immigration enforcement to prevent gang activity from impacting communities.