Man Convicted in 5 Slayings Linked to Gang

Luis Maciel, an alleged Mexican Mafia member, was found guilty Friday for his role in the execution-style slayings five people, including two children, in an El Monte home in 1995. Maciel, 28, could be sentenced to death for the killings. The penalty phase of the trial begins Monday.

Prosecutors alleged that Maciel recruited street gang members to carry out the murder of Anthony Moreno, who authorities say was formerly a member of the Mexican Mafia. Also killed in the attack were Moreno’s sister, her 5-year-old daughter and 6-month-old son, and a family friend.

Five other men have already been convicted and sentenced in connection with the killings. Two were sentenced to death, a third was sentenced to life in prison and the other two were convicted as accomplices and sentenced to 129 years to life in prison.

Authorities said that the killings were ordered by the Mexican Mafia prison gang as retribution for Moreno’s decision 12 years earlier to leave the gang.