"Salinas 'Murder Squad' Members Sentenced to 161 Years for Killing Spree"

Members of the “Murder Squad,” a Salinas-based Norteño gang, have been sentenced to a combined total of 161 years in prison for a killing spree that left 11 people dead between 2015 and 2018. The gang utilized military-style tactics to carry out their operations, often targeting individuals based on arbitrary characteristics such as being Latino, bald, or wearing blue. In their pursuit of rival gang members, many victims were not affiliated with gangs and were struck by stray bullets. The murders began as a way to honor deceased friends, with each killing enhancing a member's prestige within the gang. U.

S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey expressed the devastating impact of the gang's actions on the Salinas community, stating they killed "for sport. " The five members pleaded guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering. Sentences varied, with the longest being 41 years for Siaki Tavale. In addition to prison time, they will face five years of supervised release upon their release.