Andrew Alvarado, a member of the Salinas-based “Murder Squad,” was sentenced to 38 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and 10 years for conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering. The sentences will run concurrently. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman delivered the sentence.
Alvarado, aged 34 from Salinas, pleaded guilty on April 15, 2025, to charges related to his involvement in multiple murders and attempted murders as part of the Norteño criminal street gang. According to court documents, the “Murder Squad” conducted numerous “hunts,” targeting individuals they perceived as rival gang members based on superficial characteristics such as being Hispanic or wearing blue.
Between 2015 and 2018, these hunts resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to another 17. Most victims were not actual gang members but were caught in crossfire or misidentified by the attackers.
Alvarado admitted participating in six hunts between January and May 2017. He acted as a shooter in three instances, resulting in three deaths and one injury. In other cases, he served as part of a security/spotter vehicle team that facilitated these attacks.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian commented on the impact of gangs: “Gangs and the drugs and violence they bring with them wreak havoc on our communities… The ruthless actions of the ‘Murder Squad’ shattered the public’s sense of safety.” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent Jeffrey Brannigan highlighted HSI’s role: “Today’s sentencing is the product of countless investigative hours…”
In addition to prison time, Alvarado received supervised release terms for both counts. He is among six members sentenced for their roles within this criminal organization.
The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Hageman with assistance from Nina Burney, Lakisha Holliman, and Yenni Weinberg following an investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies including HSI, FBI, Salinas Police Department, and Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
