MS-13 Gang Member Arrested in Double Homicide

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 18-year-old Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an undocumented immigrant and self-identified MS-13 gang member, in connection with the double homicide of 22-year-olds Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett in Virginia on August 28. The victims were shot during an altercation in Sterling and later died at a hospital. Medrano-Ortiz faces charges including second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in a felony, with more charges potentially forthcoming. Sheriff Mike Chapman emphasized the dangers posed by MS-13 and criticized the leniency shown towards illegal immigrants who commit crimes. He noted that while gang-related issues had previously diminished in the county, they appear to be resurging. A preliminary hearing for Medrano-Ortiz is scheduled for December 5, as investigations continue into possible additional suspects.