Two MS-13 gang members guilty of murder

Two Long Island members of the MS-13 street gang were convicted Monday of murder in aid of racketeering in the drive-by shooting of a man they mistook for a member of a rival gang in Queens in 2007.

Julio "Flecha" Chavez, 25, of Huntington, and Oscar "Taz" Fuentes, 30, of Huntington Station, were found guilty on the first day of jury deliberations in the killing of Maurice Parker, 21, of Queens, in front of a Flushing bodega.

Parker's mother and aunt attended every day of the two-week trial in Brooklyn federal court, and afterward said they hoped the outcome would send a message to other young people tempted by the gang life.

"We're very pleased with the verdict," said Lisa Parker of New Jersey, Maurice Parker's aunt. "Hopefully this will let young children getting involved in gangs see this is the wrong way to go."

Prosecutors alleged that Chavez, Fuentes and two other MS-13 members who became cooperating witnesses went out hunting for members of the rival Bloods gang on May 18, 2007. Parker was standing next to a friend who was wearing a red sweatshirt -- the Bloods color.

Chavez was accused of pumping six bullets into his victim, including three head shots. Three co-conspirators in the shooting testified, and prosecutors also introduced a confession from Fuentes.

The gun used in the killing was recovered by Suffolk County police, who testified at the trial. It had also been used in a triple homicide in Newark that was linked to MS-13.

The two men were convicted of weapons charges as well as the murder. Both face mandatory life sentences, the government says. Fuentes' sentencing was set for July 29. Chavez does not yet have a sentencing date.