Loudoun County and Prince William County law enforcement authorities have combined forces to capture two of three alleged MS-13 gang members wanted in connection with the murder of a young Manassas Park man.
They arrested Fredy Ernahy Escobar, 23, of the Lowes Island section of Sterling. He was taken into custody about 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 31, at his home on the 47600 block of Corner Square, authorities said.
Escobar was charged with first degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the Aug. 11 shooting death of Jose Escobar, 22. The victim, an alleged member of the same gang, was slain about 9:45 p.m., authorities said.
Detective Dennis Mangan of the Prince William County Police Department said the men were not related to one another despite having the same last name.
Prince William police already had arrested another suspect, two days after the homicide, he said. Wilfredo Montoya-Baires of Reston was charged with first degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Authorities are searching for a third suspect, the victim’s uncle, Carlos Roberto Avalos, who lives in the Manassas area. Mangan said the same charges will be brought against Avalos.
Mangan said Fredy Ernahy Escobar and Avalos allegedly were armed and stood guard while Montoya-Baires allegedly pulled the trigger. Police still are investigating the motive.
The crime occurred at a party at 8194 Community Drive in Manassas.
The victim was an employee of a Loudoun County-based construction company.
Mangan said the gang members face penalties of no less than 20 years to life for first degree murder, and three years for the first firearms’ offense and five years for subsequent firearms’ offenses.
Fredy Ernahy Escobar and Montoya-Baires are being held without bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 21 in General District Court of Manassas.