U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Thursday that it has lodged detainers against three Salvadoran nationals accused of murdering Jefferson Amaya-Ayala.
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The investigation began after police discovered human remains in the Indian Creek Stream Valley Park in College Park, Maryland. The victim was identified as Amaya-Ayala, a 14-year-old boy. Detectives believe the teenager was lured to the park on August 2, 2025, where he was killed.
A fourth suspect, a 17-year-old juvenile, has also been charged in connection with the homicide.
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According to ICE records:
- Garcia Padilla had previously been convicted in D.C. Superior Court for attempted unlawful possession of ammunition. Agents noted he was found with fraudulent documents, including a fake Social Security card and a permanent resident card.
- Merlos-Majano had been arrested for defacing public property and possessing a prohibited weapon. Police say he was caught spray-painting MS-13 tags on homes in D.C. while carrying a knife.
- Cuellar Guiterrez faced multiple charges in D.C., including carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.
“This heinous murder of a child by MS-13 gang members is reprehensible. This murder was completely preventable,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. She argued that the suspects should have been held for ICE immediately following their earlier arrests.
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The three men remain in custody, facing murder charges as the investigation continues.
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