News Summary
Jose Rafael Andrade-Membreno and Edwin Diaz, members of the MS-13 gang, have been convicted for the brutal machete murder of Marcos Morales in Lake Forest. The attack occurred at a hot tub, resulting in 18 stab wounds and severe injuries. Despite Morales’s attempts to escape, he was pursued and attacked further. Both defendants face life sentences without parole as the case highlights the dangers of gang violence in the community.
Lake Forest, California – Two members of the notorious MS-13 gang, Jose Rafael Andrade-Membreno, age 29, and Edwin Diaz, age 25, have been convicted for their roles in the brutal machete murder of 25-year-old Marcos Morales during a shocking attack at a hot tub on October 1, 2018. The jury reached its verdict on October 16, 2025.
The violent incident unfolded when Morales was enjoying time with his girlfriend, Jessica Rodriguez, in the hot tub. Andrade-Membreno and Diaz ambushed him, leading to a frenzied assault where Morales sustained 18 stab wounds, and suffered near-decapitation and severing of his arm by a machete-type weapon. Despite his injuries, Morales attempted to escape but was chased into an apartment stairwell, where the attack continued.
Both gang members were found guilty of first-degree murder, with the jury considering the special circumstance of lying in wait, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and personally using a deadly weapon. The attackers reportedly shouted their allegiance to the MS-13 gang during the incident, and witnesses recounted hearing the assailants laughing as they fled the scene.
In a twist of events, the third defendant, Xiomara Berrios, Diaz’s sister, was initially charged with felony counts of murder and conspiracy. However, she later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for her testimony against Andrade-Membreno and Diaz. Text messages revealed Berrios had informed Andrade-Membreno about Morales’s presence at the pool earlier in the evening, indicating a premeditated effort to carry out the attack.
During the investigation, crucial evidence emerged, linking Andrade-Membreno’s jeans and Berrios’s shoes directly to the crime scene. Additionally, Diaz was arrested shortly after the attack while attempting to wash his bloody clothes at a nearby laundromat, further implicating him and his co-defendants. Despite the community being alerted to the chaos, more than 50 neighbors reportedly declined to assist police, even after hearing the horrific incident unfold.
Prosecutors highlighted that Morales was not affiliated with any gang but was targeted following a previous incident in which he sold a rifle that angered Andrade-Membreno. The severity and planning involved in the murder were underscored by Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who expressed a belief that such criminals should be permanently removed from society. Andrade-Membreno and Diaz now face the possibility of a maximum sentence of life without parole, with sentencing scheduled for January 23, 2026.
This case has shed light on the dangers presented by gang activities and the severe consequences of such violent crime in the community. The brutality displayed during this attack has left a lasting impact on the Lake Forest area, prompting discussions about gang influences and public safety.
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Additional Resources
- KTLA: MS-13 Members Convicted
- Wikipedia: MS-13
- LA Times: Lake Forest Couple Attack
- Google Search: Lake Forest gang violence
- AOL: SoCal Couple Attack
- Google Scholar: gang violence Lake Forest
- News Santa Ana: MS-13 Gang Members Convicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gang violence
- OC Register: Fatal Machete and Knife Attack
- Google News: MS-13 Lake Forest
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
