These are the Brutal MS-13 Murders that Happened in Oakland Park, Palm Beach

​In a significant crackdown on gang-related violence, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests and indictments of nine individuals linked to the notorious MS-13 gang, which is connected to multiple homicides in Broward and Palm Beach counties dating back to 2014 and 2015.

Operation Sombra de la Bestia Unveiled

Dubbed “Operation Sombra de la Bestia” (Operation Shadow of the Beast), this multi-agency initiative targeted cold cases that were reopened in 2020. The concerted efforts led to the conviction of six gang members and the recent indictment of three others. ​

Convictions and Sentences

The following individuals have been convicted of murder in aid of racketeering activity:​

• Andy Tovar (a.k.a. “Fearless”): A gang leader found guilty on two counts, sentenced to life imprisonment.​

• Wilson Tirado-Silva (a.k.a. “Sombra”): Local gang leader responsible for expanding MS-13’s presence in South Florida and involving recruits in homicides as part of their initiation. Convicted on four counts, facing a mandatory life sentence.​

• Miguel Angel Cabrera-Granados (a.k.a. “Mariachi”): Convicted on one count, facing a mandatory life sentence.​

• Melvin David Cruz-Ortiz (a.k.a. “Bigfoot/Pavaso”): Found guilty on three counts, facing a mandatory life sentence.​

• Kevin Ricardo Gamez-Melendez (a.k.a. “Ardilla/Cautela”): Convicted on one count, facing a mandatory life sentence.​

• Wilber Geovanni Vigil-Benitez (a.k.a. “Solitario”): Found guilty on one count, facing a mandatory life sentence.​

Recent Indictments

In March 2025, three additional alleged gang members were indicted for the 2015 murder of Gerson Vilelio Vasquez-Portillo, 22:​

• Wilber Rosendo Navarro-Escobar (a.k.a. “Power”)

• Jose Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla (a.k.a. “Chango”)

• Hugo Adiel Bermudez-Martinez (a.k.a. “Blue”)

These individuals are charged with murder in aid of racketeering activity and are currently in federal custody. They face mandatory life sentences, with officials considering the death penalty. ​

Details of the Homicides

• Joel Canizales-Lara, 18: Reported missing in 2014; his remains were discovered in May 2021 in Oakland Park. He had been brutally assaulted and buried in a makeshift grave. Tirado-Silva, Cabrera-Granados, and Cruz-Ortiz were convicted for his murder. ​

• Omar DeJesus Gutierrez, 18: Killed in January 2015 by machete strikes to his head and neck after being accused of displaying rival gang signs. Tirado-Silva carried out the murder with approval from MS-13 leader Tovar. ​

• Chrislet Ondina, 25: Stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest on October 19, 2015, in Oakland Park. He was attacked by Tirado-Silva and Cruz-Ortiz as part of a gang initiation ritual. ​

• Gerson Vilelio Vasquez-Portillo, 22: Found deceased on May 3, 2015, after being stabbed approximately 100 times and shot in the head in a vacant lot in Palm Beach. Suspects Gamez-Maravilla, Bermudez-Martinez, and Navarro-Escobar were indicted for his murder in March 2025.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities have identified a tenth suspect, an unindicted co-conspirator, who remains at large. Attorney General Bondi emphasized the commitment to dismantling MS-13’s operations, stating that more arrests are forthcoming as part of the broader crackdown on transnational criminal organizations. ​