Salinas “Murder Squad” Members Sentenced to 161 Years for Killing Spree

Salinas “Murder Squad” Members Sentenced to 161 Years for Killing SpreePhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 11, 2024

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Five members of the self-proclaimed “Murder Squad,” a deadly crew tied to the Norteño criminal street gang, were sentenced to a combined 161 years in prison for their involvement in a brutal killing spree that terrorized Salinas between 2015 and 2018. These men, operating under the umbrella of the Nuestra Familia prison gang’s Monterey County Regiment, were convicted of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

The five individuals sentenced were:

1. Siaki Tavale (aka “Shocky” or “Gunner”), 27, received the longest sentence at 41 years. Tavale was a key figure in the violent spree, orchestrating attacks that left 11 people dead.
2. John Magat (aka “Romeo”), 37, was sentenced to 37 years. Magat played a significant role in many of the group's targeted killings.
3. Anthony Valdez (aka “Hitter” or “Tony Boronda”), 27, was sentenced to 31 years for his involvement in the gang's activities, including participating in several murders.
4. Anelu Tavale (aka “Angel”), 28, received a 27-year sentence. He was involved in the violent hunts and conspiracies that marked the gang’s terror across Salinas.
5. Mark Anthony Garcia (aka “Tony from Santa Rita”), 33, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the killings and conspiracies tied to the "Murder Squad."

The Murder Squad was responsible for a series of violent "hunts," targeting individuals they suspected of being rival gang members—sometimes based on arbitrary characteristics like being Hispanic, bald, or wearing blue. The gang used military-style tactics to track down and execute their victims, leaving 11 people dead and 17 others shot but surviving the attacks.

Many of the victims had no gang affiliation, and several were caught in the crossfire. The group often decided to hunt after gatherings to mourn deceased friends, turning to violence as a twisted way of commemorating the dead.

“These defendants killed for sport, terrorizing the city of Salinas and leaving a path of devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Their actions were nothing short of reprehensible, and thanks to the tireless work of federal and state law enforcement, they will now spend decades behind bars.”

“This sentencing is a major blow to the Norteño and CRIP gangs,” added HSI Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “These individuals engaged in indiscriminate killing, and today, justice has been served.”

The sentencing brings some closure to the community of Salinas, which had been plagued by this senseless violence. Each of the defendants will also face five years of supervised release after serving their time.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Salinas Police Department, with significant contributions from the FBI and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

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By Kristy Tallman, September 11, 2024
The Republic News
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California

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