Juan Amaya-Ramirez, known as “Cadaver,” was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his involvement in the murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta in Kissena Park, Queens. The sentencing took place in federal court in Brooklyn before United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. Amaya-Ramirez and co-defendant Oscar Flores-Mejia, also known as “Chamuco,” both associates of the MS-13 gang, pleaded guilty to the murder in September 2024. Flores-Mejia is awaiting sentencing.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York.
“The senselessness of this murder is matched only by its brutality,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants lured Andy Peralta to a secluded part of Kissena park where they beat him mercilessly before Amaya-Ramirez choked him to death and Flores-Mejia hacked him with a knife. The murder of this young victim is a chilling reminder of MS-13’s callous disregard for human life. Bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice is one of our Office’s highest priorities.”
“Juan Amaya-Ramriez, an MS-13 associate, brutally attacked and murdered Andy Peralta out of senseless retaliation,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “The defendant unjustly sentenced Peralta to a horrific death due to a false perception of his status as a rival. The FBI continues to make significant strides throughout Operation Summer Heat to hold accountable gang members maliciously acting as the judge, jury, and executioner to promote their operations.”
“For far too long, senseless gang violence has plagued our neighborhoods and devastated families,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Andy Peralta was viciously beaten, stabbed, and strangled to death by savages whose sentences now reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI New York will not stand by as our streets are overrun by violent gang members. The eradication of gang violence on Long Island and throughout the state remains an utmost priority for HSI New York and our law enforcement partners.”
During proceedings related to codefendant Leyla Carranza’s sentencing, it was established that the defendants targeted Peralta because they believed he was associated with the rival 18th Street gang after seeing a video online where he briefly flashed a sign linked to that group. Flores-Mejia recruited both a 16-year-old boy and Leyla Carranza—Amaya-Ramirez’s then-girlfriend—to help lure Peralta into Kissena Park.
On April 23, 2018—the day of the killing—Flores-Mejia purchased black winter gloves for use during the attack and brought a knife. Carranza arranged for Peralta to meet her at Kissena Park where Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia, and their teenage accomplice were waiting. After receiving a signal from Flores-Mejia, they attacked Peralta together until he collapsed; when he tried getting up again Flores-Mejia knocked him down while Amaya-Ramirez strangled him as Flores-Mejia stomped on his head. Despite pleas from Peralta calling out for his parents’ help during this ordeal—Flores-Mejia stuffed dirt into his mouth while Amaya-Ramirez continued choking him until he died; afterwards Flores-Mejia stabbed him multiple times including slashing off tattoos identifying personal relationships.
After committing these acts—the men photographed themselves displaying MS-13 hand signs above Peralta’s body before stealing money from him—and moved his body near water where it was discovered later.
This case is part of ongoing federal prosecutions against MS-13 members led by the U.S Attorney’s Office for Eastern District New York since 2003 which have resulted in hundreds being convicted—including dozens charged under racketeering laws relating directly or indirectly through murders attempted murders assaults etc—with investigations conducted alongside agencies such as HSI FBI Safe Streets Task Force NYPD among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore, Jonathan Siegel, and Anna L. Karamigios are prosecuting this case within the Office’s Organized Crime & Gangs Section.
