HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) - A suspect has pleaded not guilty in the killing of a Long Island teenager who police identified as a victim of the violent MS-13 gang.
Newsday reports that 19-year-old Jose Lopez was arraigned Friday on one count of second-degree murder in the death of Josue Amaya Leonor.
Leonor’s body was found in May 30, two years after he was reported missing. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said at the time there was “no doubt” the 19-year-old was a victim of MS-13.
Police did not say if Lopez was a member of the gang.
An attorney for Lopez asked for “some” bail to be set. But Judge William Hohauser ordered Lopez jailed without bail.
MS-13 is believed to be behind 25 killings on Long Island in the past two years.
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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com
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