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San Francisco, California - Elmer Rodriguez, aka “Gordo,” the leader of the San Francisco 20th Street clique of the MS-13 street gang, has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction on charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system.

Key Points

• Rodriguez was convicted on June 1, 2023, after a three-week jury trial which revealed that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Jorge Martinez near 19th and Mission Streets on March 17, 2017. Martinez, who had been celebrating his birthday after attending a Golden State Warriors game, was mistaken as a rival Norteño gang member and shot to death outside a bar.
• Evidence also showed Rodriguez's involvement in the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, aka “P Wee,” a member of the 20th Street clique. Alvarez, suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, was lured into a car and brutally killed with a machete by Edwin Alvarado Amaya and Kenneth Campos, both of whom have pled guilty and been sentenced.
• Rodriguez’s sentence also accounts for his role in an attempted murder and use of a firearm stemming from an incident on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District on November 26, 2017.
• Additional acts of violence involving Rodriguez include:
• • September 16, 2016: Ordering a "hunt" and shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street.
  • October 27, 2016: Gang assault in the Mission District.
  • May 17, 2017: Gang assault outside of a taqueria in the Mission District.
  • November 30, 2017: Attempted murder where a victim was stabbed multiple times at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District.
• In total, 17 defendants have been convicted in relation to this investigation, which encompasses convictions for four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons.