A Frederick man connected to the violent MS-13 gang has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his role in the murder of a minor in Frederick County. Federal officials say 26-year-old Jose Ramos Lopez, an El Salvadoran national living in Frederick, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise tied to the killing.
According to court records, gang members lured the victim to a wooded area near Frederick in February of 2023 under the pretense of smoking marijuana. Investigators say the victim was then attacked with knives and a machete and killed. Prosecutors say Ramos Lopez later arrived at the scene to help clean up evidence, including disposing of weapons and bloody clothing. Authorities say gang members later dismembered the victim’s body and buried the remains in two clandestine graves near Mink Farm Road in Thurmont.
Law enforcement eventually uncovered blood evidence, clothing, and weapons connected to the murder before recovering portions of the victim’s remains. In addition to the prison sentence, Ramos Lopez will serve three years of supervised release.
By: Dianah Gibson
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