Four Individuals Indicted And Arrested For Hobbs Act, Carjacking Murder, And Firearms Offenses

SAN JUAN, P.R. – On June 11, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against four individuals for interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), carjacking murder, carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence that resulted in death, and theft of firearms, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation.

The indictment alleges that on April 1, 2019, in the District of Puerto Rico, Ángel David López-Zayas, a.k.a. “Pancho;” Ricardo Pérez, a.k.a. “Bam Bam;” Freddie Ramos-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Fredito;” and Jadier Joaquín Torres-Rijos, a.k.a. “Castier/Kastier”, aiding and abetting each other, conspired to interfere with commerce by robbery; that is, they agreed to take U.S. currency representing assets of victim A.R.M.’s commercial businesses and destined to further A.R.M.’s commercial activities, from his presence at his residence, against his will, by means of force, violence, and fear of injury.

During the robbery, the defendants stole two vehicles, a gray Honda Accord and a red Dodge Ram 2500 by force, violence, and intimidation. They discharged a firearm and killed A.R.M. The defendants also stole approximately six firearms from the residence of A.R.M., to wit, a .9mm caliber Ruger pistol, a .22 Smith and Wesson rifle, a .9mm Smith and Wesson pistol, a .45 caliber Glock pistol, a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun, and a 12-gauge pistol. All six firearms were legally owned by A.R.M.

“This violent home invasion in the town of San Lorenzo, which resulted in the murder of business owner A.R.M., stunned the community,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the PRPD and FBI agents, and the prosecutors for their excellent work in bringing these defendants to justice. We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The FBI’s Humacao Office and our partners at the Puerto Rico Police Department worked quickly to solve this tragic and vicious murder of a hard working businessman,” said FBI SAC Douglas Leff. “We thank Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued commitment to removing violent offenders from our streets and neighborhoods.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison and are eligible for the death penalty. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.