Leniz Escobar, also known as “La Diablita,” has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for her involvement in luring five young men into a Long Island park where they were attacked by MS-13 gang members. The brutal 2017 attack resulted in the deaths of four of the young men, aged 16-20, shocking the Central Islip community and the nation.
Escobar was convicted in April 2022 for her role in the murders of Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre, and Jefferson Villalobos. She was accused of luring them into the park under the pretense of smoking marijuana, only for gang members to ambush and attack them with machetes, knives, an axe, and clubs. While one of the young men managed to escape, the other four tragically lost their lives.
According to prosecutors, the attack was carried out because MS-13 gang members believed the young men were affiliated with a rival gang, with some of them disrespecting MS-13 by posting photos on social media. Escobar reportedly boasted about her role in the killings to other MS-13 members following the attack, demonstrating her allegiance to the gang.
The sentencing of Escobar is seen as a step towards justice for the families of the victims who lost their lives in this senseless act of gang violence. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some comfort to those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing Escobar’s twisted priorities in prioritizing gang status over human life.
More than a dozen MS-13 gang members and associates have been charged in connection with the attack, with Escobar being the fifth to receive a sentence. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by gangs like MS-13 in communities like New York, highlighting the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat gang-related violence.
In the wake of this tragic incident, it is crucial for authorities to continue their efforts in dismantling gangs and holding individuals like Escobar accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Escobar sends a strong message that gang-related violence will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be brought to justice.
