A reputed MS-13 street gang member wanted for allegedly killing a teenager in Roosevelt 13 years ago was apprehended this spring after he fled the country, Nassau County prosecutors said.
Wuilmer “Chicky” Mendosa was arrested May 5 when he tried to re-enter the country on a flight from a flight from El Salvador to Texas. He was extradited to Long Island this week, where he was indicted on a charge of second-degree murder.
“This defendant fled the country immediately after the crime and now, after nearly 13 years, we have finally have him back in Nassau County, where he is going to face justice,” said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.
Prosecutors said the 32-year-old suspect shot Johnathan Harris, who had just celebrated his 18th birthday five days earlier, after Mendosa and others asked the victim if he was a member of a rival gang, to which Harris replied, “No,” on Oct. 24, 2002.
The victim was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting. The suspects fled the scene.
Judge Teresa Corrigan ordered Mendosa held without bail. He faces up to 25 years in prison, if convicted. He is due back in court on Oct. 21.
