50 Year Sentence for Co-Defendant in Gang Related Murder

Today Judge Jeannie Cho, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, sentenced defendant, Jordan Ryan Moreno, 23, of Washington D.C. to 50 years in prison, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney Office. Moreno pleaded guilty on June 29th, 2022 to first-degree murder for the death of Sara Gutierrez-Villatoro in 2019. He also has federal charges pending. Moreno is one of four co-defendants in this case, which also includes:

• Defendant, Rigoberto Machado A.K.A. “Crazy,” 18, of Washington, D.C. previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

• Defendant, Jonathan Rivera-Escobar, 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is scheduled for sentencing on September 28, 2022.

• Defendant, Geovany Dominguez-Escobar, 27, has charges pending locally while he faces federal charges. Today the State was represented by Gang Division Chief, Assistant State’s Attorney Teresa Casafranca.

“When prosecuting gang violence, we are looking to go after the leadership and some of the defendants in this case are believed to be higher level members of the ‘18th Street’ gang. We thank Judge Cho for appropriately sentencing this young man and holding him accountable for the death of 19-year-old Sara Gutierrez-Villatoro,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

This stems from an incident on Nov. 29, 2019 as described in a proffer of facts which were read into the court record, some of which can be seen below:

On November 29, 2019 Montgomery County Police were called out to a remote wooded area near Old Hundred Rd. and Peach Tree Rd. in Dickerson, MD for a suspicious situation. The body of a female was found lying on the ground. The deceased was positively identified as Sara Jaqueline Gutierrez-Villatoro born 06/17/2000. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined her death was caused by gunshot wounds and it was ruled a homicide.

Villatoro, a resident of Washington, D.C., had been last seen by friends and family on November 21, 2019. On that evening, Rigoberto Machado’s cell phone hit three cell phone towers in Dickerson, MD where Villatoro’s body was discovered; as did phones belonging to two of the other co-defendants.

Had this case gone to trial, the evidence would have shown that all four defendants were members of the 18th Street gang and planned to kill Villatoro because she had been associating with rival gang, MS-13.  There was a call made to El Salvador to get permission to kill Villatoro. The four co-defendants drove from Washington D.C. to Dickerson, MD in a white Honda Civic with Virginia tags with Villatoro in the car and passed around a .38 caliber revolver.

Once they arrived at the wooded area, Villatoro was shot twice at close range and her body left in the woods. On the way back to Washington D.C., the defendants dropped off Jonathan Rivera-Escobar at a location in Silver Spring.

At approximately 1:15am on November 22, 2019 Geovany Dominguez-Escobar, Jordan Moreno and Rigoberto Machado were recorded together on body worn camera by officers of Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department during a traffic stop of a white Honda Civic with Virginia tags.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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