News Summary
Two MS-13 gang members, Jose Rafael Andrademembreno and Edwin Diaz, have been found guilty of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of 25-year-old Marcos Morales in Lake Forest. The attack, which involved machete-style knives, was premeditated and occurred while Morales was relaxing in a hot tub. Morales suffered over 18 stab wounds before ultimately bleeding out from his injuries. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about gang violence in Orange County.
Lake Forest
Two members of the MS-13 gang have been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the brutal killing of 25-year-old Marcos Morales in Lake Forest. Jose Rafael Andrademembreno, 29, and Edwin Diaz, 25, were found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and personal use of a deadly weapon. The shocking attack occurred on October 1, 2018, while Morales was relaxing in a hot tub with his girlfriend, Jessica Rodriguez.
Details of the Attack
The violent assault was meticulously planned by Andrademembreno and Diaz, who executed their attack around 3 a.m. As Morales enjoyed the hot tub, he was ambushed and nearly decapitated; the attackers used machete-style knives, which are commonly associated with MS-13. Morales was stabbed more than 18 times during the encounter. In a desperate attempt to defend himself with a patio chair, Morales was chased through the apartment complex before ultimately being cornered and fatally wounded in a stairwell. He bled out from his injuries.
Injuries to a Bystander
During this chaotic scene, Rodriguez was also injured. She was stabbed by Xiomara Berrios, the sister of Edwin Diaz. At the time of the attack, Berrios was 18 years old. She was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and assault with a deadly weapon but later accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for her testimony against Andrademembreno and Diaz.
Gang Affiliation and Premeditation
Witnesses reported that during the attack, Morales’ attackers shouted their allegiance to MS-13, exclaiming “Mara Salvatrucha!” Text messages uncovered during the investigation revealed that the murder was premeditated and involved careful coordination among the assailants prior to the ambush. Furthermore, it was determined that Morales was not a member of the gang; the motive for the violent act stemmed from a previous incident involving a sold .22 caliber rifle, which had led to a confrontation with a teenager associated with the gang.
Evidence and Arrests
The investigation yielded compelling evidence against Andrademembreno and Diaz. Morales’ blood was discovered on Andrademembreno’s jeans, while Diaz was apprehended after attempting to wash his bloody clothes. Both individuals now face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing for the pair is planned for January 23, 2026.
Community Reaction
The attack has been described as exceptionally brutal and callous, with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer publicly condemning the violence perpetrated by gang members. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issues related to gang violence in the region, sensitizing the community to the dangers associated with gang affiliations.
Conclusion
The convictions of Andrademembreno and Diaz stand as a reminder of the severe consequences of gang-related violence. The brutal nature of the crime and the premeditated approach taken by the attackers highlight the ongoing struggle law enforcement faces with gangs such as MS-13. This case is a sobering account of the tragic outcome of gang rivalries and the impact on innocent lives involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two MS-13 Gang Members Convicted for Brutal Murder
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Lake Forest Couple Attacked
- KTLA: MS-13 Members Convicted
- Orange County Register: Fatal Machete Attack Convictions
- Patch: MS-13 Gang Members Stab Victim to Death
- Wikipedia: MS-13
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.
