BROOKLYN, NY – Juan Amaya-Ramirez and Oscar Flores-Mejia, two associates of the MS-13 gang, pleaded guilty on Friday in connection with the brutal 2018 murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta in Kissena Park, Queens. The guilty pleas, made before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo, revealed that the defendants killed Peralta as part of an initiation to gain entry into MS-13. Both men admitted to a series of crimes, including murder conspiracy, cyberstalking resulting in death, and assault tied to gang activities. They now face a minimum of 30 years in prison, with the possibility of life behind bars.
The murder, which took place on April 23, 2018, was part of a carefully orchestrated plot. Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia, and a third MS-13 associate mistakenly believed Peralta was a member of a rival gang. To lure him to his death, they recruited Amaya-Ramirez’s then-girlfriend, Leyla Carranza, who communicated with Peralta via social media, convincing him to meet her at Kissena Park. Once there, the defendants ambushed Peralta, beating, stabbing, and strangling him. In a chilling display, Amaya-Ramirez took a photo of himself and his accomplices flashing MS-13 hand signs over Peralta’s body.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace condemned the killing, highlighting the senseless violence often associated with MS-13. He emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to bringing justice to victims and dismantling violent gangs that terrorize communities. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent Darren McCormack and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban echoed these sentiments, commending the tireless efforts of law enforcement in pursuing justice.
Leyla Carranza, who played a key role in luring Peralta to his death, previously pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death. She faces a maximum life sentence for her involvement.
This case was part of an ongoing investigation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a joint initiative focused on dismantling drug trafficking and violent gangs like MS-13. Through close cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, law enforcement continues to work toward disrupting the violent grip of gangs on communities across the country.
