COLLEGE PARK, MD – The brutal killing of 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya-Ayala, whose remains were found in a wooded park last November, has reignited scrutiny over local law enforcement’s handling of known gang members after it was revealed that several suspects were previously released from custody in Washington, D.C. before the homicide.
Prince George’s County Police have charged four individuals in connection with Amaya-Ayala’s death: Jose Merlos-Majano, 18, Alan Josai Garcia-Padilla, 21, and William Cuellar Gutierrez, 19, all residents of Washington, D.C., along with a 17-year-old male from Hyattsville, Maryland. According to investigators, all three adult suspects have alleged ties to the MS-13 gang.
Authorities said Amaya-Ayala, a D.C. teenager reported missing in August, was found dead on November 3, 2025, in Indian Creek Stream Valley Park. The FBI joined local officers in the search that led to the discovery of his body. Police classified the case as a homicide involving gang activity.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials said the three adult suspects, all previously arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., were released back into the community without ICE being notified. The agency stated that it should have been alerted following their prior arrests to initiate immigration proceedings.
Jose Vladimir Merlos, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, previously arrested for defacing public property and possession of a prohibited weapon, knife, when he was caught spray painting MS-13 gang symbols on houses in Washington, D.C.
Latest developments, Gunman on the Run: Shooter Strikes Two Teens Multiple Times in Towson.
Alam Josai Garcia Padilla, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, previously convicted of attempted unlawful possession of ammunition by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Garcia-Padilla was also in possession of fraudulent documents including a lawful permanent resident card and social security card. He was previously RELEASED under the Biden administration.
Jose Vladimir Merlos, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, previously arrested for defacing public property and possession of a prohibited weapon, knife, when he was caught spray painting MS-13 gang symbols on houses in Washington, D.C.
Continuing coverage, Rabid Angry Beaver Attacks Boy, Multiple People at New Jersey Lake.
William Ariel Cuellar Guiterrez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member. He was previously arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, carrying a pistol without a license in gun free zone, and possession of unregistered ammunition. He was previously RELEASED under the Biden administration.
Investigators believe Amaya-Ayala knew at least one of the accused. Law enforcement sources told local outlets that the killing was carried out in connection with MS-13 operations in the region. Federal and local authorities continue to coordinate on potential additional arrests and to determine whether the suspects were part of a larger criminal network operating in the D.C.–Maryland area.
- Jefferson Amaya-Ayala, 14, found dead in College Park, Maryland
- Four suspects, including alleged MS-13 members, charged with murder
- ICE says suspects were released from D.C. custody without notification
Here’s what’s happening, Baltimore attempted murder suspect captured weeks after double shooting.