Alleged MS-13 Gang Member Arrested in Deaths of 2 People

An alleged MS-13 gang member has been arrested in connection with the murder of a young couple in Sterling, Virginia.

At a Glance

Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an 18-year-old alleged MS-13 gang member, was arrested for a double homicide in Sterling, Virginia.
The victims, Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett, both 22, were killed on August 28.
Medrano-Ortiz is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation, executing 39 search warrants and reviewing over 950 hours of video.

MS-13 Gang Member Arrested in Sterling Double Homicide

Loudoun County authorities have made a significant breakthrough in a shocking double homicide case that occurred in Sterling, Virginia. Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, an 18-year-old alleged member of the notorious MS-13 gang, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett, both 22 years old. The victims were found shot near a wooden fence at an office park on Ridgetop Circle on August 28, following an apparent altercation at a nearby apartment complex around 4:33 a.m.

Arrest made in deadly double shooting near Loudoun County office complex https://t.co/C78qUPC2NY

— InsideNoVA (@InsideNoVA) October 26, 2024

Extensive Investigation Leads to Arrest

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation, demonstrating their commitment to solving this heinous crime. Investigators executed 39 search warrants and meticulously reviewed over 950 hours of video footage. This exhaustive effort led to the arrest of Medrano-Ortiz, who now faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The suspect is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on December 5.

“When you commit a crime like this in Loudoun County, we’re not going to stop. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get these people behind bars, and we just want to make sure we’re doing everything in our power to keep our citizens safe,” Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman said.

Despite this arrest, authorities are still investigating the possibility of additional suspects being involved. Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson has indicated that the charges “may change before we go forward with the preliminary hearing,” suggesting that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

MS-13 Gang Activity Concerns

This tragic incident has reignited concerns about MS-13 gang activity in the region. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman has been vocal about the threats posed by violent gangs like MS-13, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to combat their presence in local communities.

“I am on record strongly opposing the presence of MS-13 and other violent gangs in our nation and local communities. MS-13 is an El Salvador-based gang that uses intimidation, crime, and violence as tools of the trade, and there should be no safe place for them here,” Chapman said.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The murders of Conejero-Romera and Woollett, who were reportedly dating, have deeply affected the Sterling community. As the investigation continues, authorities are still working to determine the motive behind this senseless act of violence. Sheriff Chapman emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating, “The motive behind the murder that we just made the arrest for — we’re still working on that. It’s an ongoing investigation. There’s very little that we can say.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gang violence and protecting communities from such brutal crimes. As the legal process unfolds, residents of Loudoun County and the surrounding areas remain hopeful that justice will be served for the victims and their families.