After years of relentless work, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Cold Case Unit—along with local, state, and federal partners—has arrested 9 MS-13 members tied to 4 brutal homicides from 2014–2015.
The murders, linked to the notorious transnational gang, were recently solved through a collaboration between the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and other law enforcement agencies, leading to multiple federal indictments and life sentences.
The murders were investigated by BSO’s Homicide Unit, which initially linked the killings to gang activity in Oakland Park, Florida. The case went cold but was revived in 2020 when the BSO Cold Case Unit teamed up with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, leading to critical breakthroughs.
BSO detectives first investigated the killing of 18-year-old O.G. in January 2015, whose body was found with machete wounds to his head and neck. Just months later, 25-year-old C.O. was stabbed to death in Oakland Park. Both homicides were believed to be gang-related but went unsolved for years.
In 2020, the cold case investigation expanded to include two additional murders with similar gang ties: 22-year-old G.V.P., found shot and stabbed in Palm Beach in May 2015, and 18-year-old J.C.L., whose body was discovered buried in Oakland Park in May 2021. The victims had been targeted in gruesome, violent attacks linked to MS-13.
Through advanced investigative techniques and technology, the team uncovered that MS-13 members were responsible for the deaths. In total, the collaborative investigation led to federal charges in two major cases in the Southern District of Florida.
In July 2022, six MS-13 members were convicted of murder in aid of racketeering. Among them were MS-13 leaders Andy Tovar, Wilson Tirado-Silva, and others, who all face mandatory life sentences. In March 2025, three more defendants were charged in connection to the murder of G.V.P. These individuals—Jose Ezequiel Gamez-Maravilla, Hugo Adiel Bermudez-Martinez, and Wilber Rosendo Navarro-Escobar—are facing potential life sentences or even the death penalty.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony praised the tireless efforts of the investigators: “The heartless and brutal actions of these ruthless and violent criminals demonstrate a complete disregard for human life. BSO’s Cold Case Homicide investigators, who worked closely with our federal partners, proved once again that justice has no expiration date. We owe it to the families of the victims and to this community to make sure the people who committed these heinous crimes are held accountable.”
After years of relentless work, BSO’s Cold Case Unit—with help from local, state and federal partners—arrested 9 MS-13 members tied to 4 brutal homicides from 2014–2015. We never gave up. Watch the full news conference: https://t.co/OCE8qKhdy3#ColdCaseClosed #JusticeServed pic.twitter.com/2swEBZeKlC
— Sheriff Gregory Tony, Ph.D. (@bsosherifftony) April 4, 2025
The investigation, which spanned several years and involved coordination with law enforcement across multiple states and countries, highlights the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of gang violence in South Florida.
“The FBI is grateful for its close collaboration with numerous law enforcement partners,” said Brett Skiles, acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami. “The efforts of the FBI and our partners were essential in tracking down these violent suspects, and we will continue to pursue all available resources to bring justice to those who endanger our communities.”
The federal prosecution of these MS-13 gang members continues as law enforcement remains committed to dismantling criminal organizations that threaten public safety across South Florida and beyond.
 Cold Case Unit—along with local, state, and federal partners—has arrested 9 MS-13 members.){kind=link}