Salinas 'homicide squad' members convicted of three-year killing spree

SALINAS, CA. – Five members of the self-proclaimed “Murder Squad” were sentenced to a total of 161 years in prison for their involvement in dozens of fatal and non-fatal shootings, racketeering and other convictions in Salinas over a three-year period, the Justice Department reported.

The homicide squad affiliated with the Norteño street gang conducted over a dozen “hunts” between 2015 and 2018, tracking down and shooting Salinas residents believed to be rival gang members for “reasons as vague as being Hispanic and bald.” splints or wearing blue,” the DOJ reported.

At least 11 people were killed and another 17 were injured in the hunts, federal officials said. Additionally, officials said most of the victims in the hunts were not rival gang members and some were not the intended target anyway but were caught in the crossfire.

“The 'Murder Squad' killed for fun, terrorized the city of Salinas and forever changed the lives of so many innocent members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsey.

In these killings, the gang members used military tactics and traveled in a convoy of vehicles with designated shooter and security/spotter vehicles.

They would coordinate by having the security/spotter car drive behind the shooter car to distract or intercept law enforcement while allowing the shooters to escape, federal officials said.

Additionally, several murders occurred when the force gathered at someone's home to remember a deceased loved one and went “hunting” to memorialize their loved one or “to lift their spirits.” According to federal officials, each “body” would elevate a squad member's status and prestige within the gang.

Siaki Tavale and Anthony Valdez, both 27, were sentenced to 41 and 31 years in prison, respectively.

Other sentences include: John Magat, 37, sentenced to 37 years, Anelu Tavale, 28, sentenced to 27 years, and Mark Anthony Garcia, 33, sentenced to 25 years in prison.

All members of the force were also sentenced to five years of supervised release following the completion of their sentences.