A Montgomery County jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Sender Godoy-Lemus, 22, of Silver Spring, in a high-profile retrial concerning the 2022 MS-13-related murder of Edvin Agustin Leon and the attempted murder of a second victim. The conviction, returned on June 18, 2026, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, marks a significant development in a complex case involving multiple defendants and the violent activities of the Mara Salvatrucha criminal gang, commonly known as MS-13.

This verdict follows a three-and-a-half-week trial and nearly three days of jury deliberations, concluding a legal process that saw Godoy-Lemus’s first trial in 2025 end in a hung jury. The case underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to dismantle gang operations and hold individuals accountable for violent crimes that have impacted communities in the region.

Sender Godoy-Lemus Convicted on Multiple Charges

Sender Godoy-Lemus was found guilty on a comprehensive array of charges stemming from the brutal events of November 9, 2022. These charges include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of Edvin Agustin Leon. He was also convicted of attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder related to the shooting of the second man, who survived the attack by feigning death.

Further convictions against Godoy-Lemus include two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and participation in a criminal organization resulting in death. The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed these convictions, highlighting the severity and scope of the defendant’s involvement in the gang-orchestrated attack. A sentencing hearing for Godoy-Lemus has not yet been scheduled, but he faces the possibility of multiple life sentences.

The 2022 Northwest Stream Valley Park Shooting

The convictions relate to a deadly incident that occurred in Northwest Stream Valley Park, near the 9000 block of Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring. Prosecutors presented evidence that Godoy-Lemus and several co-defendants lured Edvin Agustin Leon, then 20, and a second victim into a wooded area of the park. Once there, the victims were accosted by MS-13 gang members over an accusation, according to charging documents.

Investigators determined that two high-ranking members of MS-13 provided firearms to other gang members and ordered them to kill the two men. Edvin Agustin Leon died at the scene from his wounds. The second victim, despite being shot multiple times, survived by pretending to be deceased. After the assailants left, he crawled approximately a quarter-mile through the park, crying for help, until neighbors called 911. This harrowing account formed a central part of the prosecution’s case.

Co-Defendants’ Cases and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The conviction of Sender Godoy-Lemus is one of several legal outcomes in this extensive investigation involving five individuals accused in the 2022 shootings. Just one day prior to Godoy-Lemus’s verdict, on June 17, 2026, co-defendant Carlo Yaque del Cid, 32, of Hyattsville, was sentenced in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Yaque del Cid received two consecutive life sentences plus an additional five years for his role in Agustin Leon’s death and the shooting of the second man. He faced the same charges as Godoy-Lemus.

Another co-defendant, Edgard Castro-Contreras, 22, was sentenced last summer to life in prison plus 52 years. Prosecutors believe Castro-Contreras fired the shots that killed Agustin Leon. Brayan Bonilla-Andrade is awaiting a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. He faces two life sentences plus 20 years. The final defendant, Jonathan Videz Martinez, is slated to go on trial on charges related to the shooting, including first-degree murder. All these cases are being prosecuted in Montgomery County, demonstrating the comprehensive approach taken by the State’s Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies, including the Montgomery County Police, the FBI, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, in addressing gang-related violence. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complexities and extended timelines often associated with multi-defendant criminal cases, particularly those involving organized crime elements. For instance, the legal challenges in cases like the UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Trial also demonstrate the intricate nature of high-profile criminal prosecutions.

Implications for Gang Enforcement and Justice

The conviction of Sender Godoy-Lemus, particularly after a retrial, sends a clear message regarding the resolve of the justice system to pursue accountability in gang-related violence. The initial hung jury in 2025 underscored the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions in complex cases with multiple defendants and intricate gang dynamics. However, the subsequent guilty verdict demonstrates the persistence of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office in presenting a compelling case.

This outcome contributes to broader efforts to combat MS-13, a transnational criminal organization known for its extreme violence. Successful prosecutions like this one are crucial for disrupting gang operations and deterring future criminal activity. The coordinated investigation by local and federal agencies, including the FBI, reflects a multi-faceted approach to addressing organized crime. Such efforts are vital for public safety and for ensuring that communities are protected from the pervasive threat of gang violence. The detailed investigation and successful prosecution also provide a measure of justice for the victims and their families, reinforcing public trust in the legal system’s ability to address severe crimes. The legal landscape surrounding gang-related offenses often involves extensive evidence gathering and witness testimony, similar to the rigorous processes seen in other significant criminal cases, such as the New Hampshire Supreme Court Ruling Triggers Retrial for Adam Montgomery in a daughter’s death case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific charges did Sender Godoy-Lemus face?

Sender Godoy-Lemus was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and participation in a criminal organization resulting in death.

When and where did the murder take place?

The murder occurred on November 9, 2022, in a wooded area of Northwest Stream Valley Park, near the 9000 block of Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

What was the outcome of Godoy-Lemus’s first trial?

Sender Godoy-Lemus’s first trial in 2025 ended in a hung jury, meaning the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This necessitated the retrial that concluded with his conviction on June 18, 2026.

Conclusion

The conviction of Sender Godoy-Lemus in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County on June 18, 2026, represents a critical step in achieving justice for the victims of the 2022 MS-13-related shooting in Silver Spring. This outcome, following a retrial, underscores the unwavering commitment of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and collaborating law enforcement agencies to prosecute violent gang crimes. As sentencing for Godoy-Lemus and other co-defendants proceeds, the legal system continues its work to hold all responsible parties accountable, reinforcing the message that such acts of violence will be met with persistent and thorough legal action. The comprehensive nature of this investigation and prosecution serves as a proof to the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations and enhance community safety.