Edwin Amaya-Sanchez, an MS-13 gang member known as “Strong,” was sentenced today to over 24 years in prison for his role in the cold-blooded murder of Jose Lainez-Murcia, a crime that rocked the Brentwood community in 2014. This latest conviction marks another significant victory for law enforcement in the ongoing fight against gang violence on Long Island.
His chilling crime took place in the early hours of July 14, 2014. Amaya-Sanchez and his co-conspirators meticulously planned the execution of Lainez-Murcia, whom they suspected of being an assassin responsible for killing MS-13 members in El Salvador. Amaya-Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant who had previously been deported and returned illegally to the United States, used his knowledge of Lainez-Murcia’s daily routine to orchestrate the murder.
That morning, Amaya-Sanchez drove two armed MS-13 members to Lainez-Murcia’s neighborhood. As Lainez-Murcia sat in his car outside his home, the gang members approached and unleashed a hail of bullets from their 9mm handguns, killing him instantly. The killers then fled the scene, with Amaya-Sanchez waiting nearby to drive them to safety.
Following a lengthy investigation by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force and local law enforcement, Amaya-Sanchez was arrested on September 21, 2015, initially on federal immigration charges. He pleaded guilty to firearms-related murder charges in April 2018, leading to today’s sentencing by United States District Court Judge Gary R. Brown.
“This premeditated and brutal murder underscores the violent nature of MS-13,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Today’s sentencing ensures that Amaya-Sanchez will have a long time to reflect on his heinous actions. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the threat posed by MS-13 and protect our communities.”
“After ten years, justice has been served,” said Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Christie Curtis.
Amaya-Sanchez will serve nearly 25 years behind bars for his role in this ruthless crime, followed by deportation from the United States. His conviction is part of a broader effort to dismantle MS-13, a transnational criminal organization with deep roots on Long Island. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York, including more than 70 murders. This ongoing crackdown by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies is making significant strides in restoring safety and peace to the communities once terrorized by this violent gang.
“Edwin Amaya-Sanchez’s calculated actions to seek out the victim at his home are proof that he would stop at nothing to carry out his crimes,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring. “This sentencing sends a message that the Suffolk County Police Department and its law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to combat violent criminal enterprises and bring justice to the victims and their families.”
