Alleged MS-13 Member Charged in Cold-Case Slaying on Long Island: DA

An alleged member of the gang MS-13 accused of gunning down a Long Island man five days after his 18th birthday, then fleeing to Central America, where he lived for more than a decade, has been arrested, authorities say.

Wuilmer “Chicky” Mendosa, 32, was arraigned Tuesday on second-degree murder charges in connection with the Oct. 24, 2002, slaying of Johnathan Harris, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. Mendosa was indicted on the charge in June, and was extradited to Long Island after he boarded a flight from El Salvador to Texas earlier this year.

“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,” Singas said. “This arrest should serve as a lesson to all criminals, that working with our partners in the Nassau County Police Department and other agencies around the country, we will find you and make you pay for your crimes.”

Authorities say that Mendosa and other members believed to be in MS-13 approached Harris on East Raymond Street in Roosevelt while he was riding a bicycle with a pair of friends. The alleged gangsters -- armed with bats, knives and a gun -- asked if Harris was in a rival crew. When Harris said he wasn’t, Mendosa allegedly opened fire, shooting at the teen four times.

Harris was hit twice in the chest, once in the stomach and through his right arm, prosecutors say. He was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.

After the shooting Mendosa and the other MS-13 members drove off in a getaway car. Mendosa threw away the gun, borrowed cash and left the country, prosecutors say.

Mendosa wasn’t seen again for 13 years, according to prosecutors. Nassau County Police learned he was headed back to the country earlier this year, and he was arrested by detectives after his flight into the country on May 5.

NBC 4 New York reached out to Mendosa's attorney for comment. 

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