Federal Authorities Charge Two MS-13 Members With Murder
Two men face racketeering and narcotics charges for a 2026 killing on Fulton Avenue in Hempstead.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Drug Crime
Federal authorities unsealed an indictment charging two MS-13 members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, and the murder of Michael David Grajeda Suazo. Investigators allege the defendants targeted the victim in Hempstead due to his suspected affiliation with a rival gang.
Why it matters
The case highlights federal efforts to dismantle MS-13 operations that utilize narcotics sales to fund local violence and international leadership activities. The defendants allegedly monitored the victim for weeks before the fatal attack on Fulton Avenue.
The defendants face charges including racketeering conspiracy and narcotics trafficking, with a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty upon conviction. They are also charged as non-citizens in possession of an illegal 9mm ghost gun.
The players
Isaac Eliseo Lopez Alvarez
He is a 20-year-old alleged member of the Hempstead Locos Salvatruchas clique of MS-13.
Denis Alexander Gonzalez Sorto
He is a 22-year-old alleged member of the Hempstead Locos Salvatruchas clique of MS-13.
Michael David Grajeda Suazo
He was the victim of the fatal gang-related attack on Fulton Avenue.
The details
Prosecutors claim the defendants, aged 20 and 22, tracked the victim and carried out the killing by stabbing, kicking, and stomping him on Fulton Avenue. Authorities recovered a ghost gun from the shared bedroom of the two men, who are accused of selling cocaine and marijuana to support gang operations.
Timeline
June 28, 2026: Michael David Grajeda Suazo was killed on Fulton Avenue.
October 20, 2026: The federal indictment was unsealed.
October 22, 2026: The defendants are set to appear in federal court.
Legal Context
The prosecution of MS-13 cliques in Hempstead follows the standard application of federal racketeering statutes used to dismantle organized criminal groups. This case reflects a broader trend of federal agencies targeting the leadership and funding structures of transnational gangs.
The federal unsealing of this indictment serves as a formal notice regarding the presence of gang activity in the local neighborhood. Residents are advised that legal proceedings continue as the defendants face their initial federal court appearances.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the extreme legal consequences, including potential death penalty outcomes, associated with gang-related racketeering. Law enforcement continues to emphasize that monitoring and gathering intelligence on gang movements is key to preventing violent incidents.
Further reading
For ongoing coverage of local enforcement actions, see the latest updates on Drug Crime.
