An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England and its law enforcement partners led to the sentencing of two MS-13 members for their involvement in a previously unsolved murder. On July 15, Jose Vasquez, also known as Cholo or Little Crazy, was sentenced to 25 years in prison with five years of supervised release. He had pleaded guilty in May 2025 to violent crime related to racketeering. Vasquez was already serving a sentence for a previous conviction for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, bringing his total time in prison to 37 years.
William Pineda Portillo, also known as Humilde and unlawfully residing in Everett, received a sentence of 16 years followed by three years of supervised release. Pineda Portillo is subject to deportation after completing his sentence. He pleaded guilty in May 2023 to conspiracy charges related to racketeering.
The announcement on July 17 came from several officials including Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent Michael J. Krol, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, FBI Boston Special Agent Ted E. Docks, Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey D. Noble, Somerville Police Chief Shumeane Benford, and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton.
Pineda Portillo and Vasquez were indicted along with other MS-13 members by a federal grand jury in September 2024 for conspiring to murder a man on December 18, 2010, in Chelsea. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Evidence indicated that Vasquez and other gang members planned the murder because they believed the victim belonged to a rival gang. On the day of the incident, Pineda Portillo transported Vasquez and others along with the victim from Allston to Chelsea where the attack occurred under an on-ramp.
A palm print from Vasquez was found on a knife recovered at the scene which also had traces of the victim's blood.
Further investigation revealed that approximately six weeks after the murder an undercover recording captured an MS-13 member admitting participation in the crime while facing disciplinary action from fellow gang members for leaving Massachusetts without permission post-murder.
Pineda Portillo fled before he could be questioned about his role but returned illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico on May 10, 2022, when he was arrested again due to existing warrants linked through fingerprint analysis.
Several agencies provided assistance throughout this case including ATF Boston and U.S Customs and Border Protection among others.
