Queens Gangland: MS-13 Member Jose "El Diablo" Rodriguez Takes Plea Deal for Rival's Murder

In a significant development in the fight against gang violence plaguing New York City, a notorious MS-13 enforcer known as Jose "El Diablo" Rodriguez has accepted a plea deal, admitting his guilt in the brutal slaying of a rival gang member in Queens. The agreement, finalized just weeks before a high-stakes trial was set to commence, brings a grim closure to a case that underscored the relentless and often fatal turf wars on the city's streets.

Rodriguez, 28, faced charges of Murder in the Second Degree for the execution-style shooting of Carlos "Smokey" Morales, a 24-year-old associated with a rival crew, in a brazen daytime attack in Jamaica, Queens, in late 2023.

Authorities stated that the murder was a direct consequence of escalating territorial disputes and long-standing animosity between the two factions.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a lesser charge than the original murder indictment.

In exchange for his admission of guilt, prosecutors recommended a sentence of 20 years to life in state prison. This plea spares the victims' families and the community from the potentially lengthy and emotionally taxing process of a full trial, while still ensuring a substantial period of incarceration for a dangerous individual.

During the plea hearing at Queens Supreme Court, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jenkins detailed the harrowing circumstances of Morales's death.

She described how Rodriguez, identified through extensive surveillance footage and witness testimony, ambushed Morales near a busy intersection, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene. The investigation involved a collaborative effort between the NYPD's Gang Unit and the Queens District Attorney's office, meticulously piecing together evidence that ultimately led to Rodriguez's arrest months after the incident.

District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement emphasizing the impact of such plea deals in combating organized crime.

"This plea deal sends an unequivocal message that gang-related violence will not be tolerated in our communities," Katz stated. "While no resolution can truly heal the pain of losing a loved one, this conviction ensures that a violent perpetrator is removed from our streets, preventing further harm and bringing a measure of justice to the victim's family."

The case of Jose "El Diablo" Rodriguez is a stark reminder of MS-13's persistent presence and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling these intricate criminal networks.

Known for its extreme brutality and a culture of fear, MS-13 continues to be a priority target for federal and local agencies. This plea, while sidestepping a full trial, highlights the continuous efforts to hold accountable those who perpetuate violence and destabilize neighborhoods.

Rodriguez is scheduled for formal sentencing next month, where a judge will formally impose the agreed-upon sentence.

The outcome marks a significant victory for prosecutors and a step towards peace for the residents of Queens, even as the broader struggle against gang violence endures.