NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A Latin Kings gang members has been charged in connection with a 2017 murder, which allegedly elevated his status within the gang, according to prosecutors.
Jonathan "Jayo" Garcia was charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, murder through the use of a firearm, narcotics conspiracy and use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, according to U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss.
According to Strauss, Garcia shot and killed Joshua "Monster" Flores on May 18, 2017 in order to elevate his status within the Latin Kings, and a subdivision of the street gang known as the Black Mob.
"Latin Kings, like other gangs, solve disputes with intimidation and violence, as Jonathan Garcia allegedly did when he shot and killed Joshua Flores in 2017," said Strauss. "Acts such as this endanger the public and wreak havoc on the neighborhoods where gangs have entrenched themselves. We will continue our partnership with the NYPD and FBI to stop the proliferation of deadly gang violence on the streets of our city."
It's believed Flores was also a member of the street gang. It remains unclear why Garcia allegedly targeted him specifically.
"Violent street gang like the Latin Kings use brutal tactics in their pursuit of illegal drugs and firearms, terrorizing all those who stand in their way," said FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll. "Basing status within the gang on a member's violent acts is a stark illustration of their utter lack of respect for human life. For his alleged acts of violence, Mr. Garcia now faces a possible lifetime in federal prison."
Prosecutors said Garcia was a known member of the Latin Kings, a group that was known to commit acts of violence, distribute narcotics, commit robberies and use illegal firearms.
In December 2019 and April 2021, several members and associates of the gang, were charged with racketeering offenses, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms offenses, according to Strauss.
If convicted on the top offenses, Garcia faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
