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MS-13 GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITH ALL BUT 50 YEARS SUSPENDED FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER
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UPPER MARLBORO, MD – A 17-year old MS-13 gang member was sentenced today to life in prison with all but 50 years suspended for his involvement in the murder of 14-year old Ariana Funes-Diaz.
In addition to first degree murder, Josue Fuentes-Ponce was charged with participating in and committing the murder as part of a criminal gang and conspiracy to commit murder. He entered a guilty plea to those counts on October 30, 2019.
Prosecutors say that he and three others lured Ariana Funes-Diaz to a tunnel in Riverdale, Maryland, where she was beaten to death. Co-defendant, Joel Escobar, 18, entered a guilty plea on November 25, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 26. Co-defendant, Edwin Rios, 19, is scheduled for trial beginning April 13. The charges against the remaining co-defendant, 14, were handled in juvenile court.
Upon his release from incarceration, Fuentes-Ponce will be subject to 5 years of supervised probation.
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