Edgard Castro Contreras
A Montgomery County jury has convicted a man believed to be affiliated with the MS-13 gang of first-degree murder, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office (MCSAO).
Edgard Castro-Contreras, 21, whose address is unknown, was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of 20-year-old Edvin Agustin Leon.
He was also convicted of the same charges in connection with the attempted murder of a second victim, as well as two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime.
Castro-Contreras was tried before Judge Theresa Chernosky.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on Nov. 9, 2022, when Leon and a second man were walking through a wooded area of Northwest Stream Valley Park near the 9000 block of Piney Branch Road.
Leon was fatally shot, while the second victim was shot multiple times but survived by pretending to be dead.
Montgomery County Police, with assistance from the FBI, determined the shooting was gang-related.
Investigators said higher-ranking MS-13 members supplied weapons and ordered three lower-ranking members to kill the victims.
Prosecutors believe Castro-Contreras fired the shots that killed Leon.
The jury delivered its verdict on April 4.
However, the panel was unable to reach a verdict in the case of co-defendant Sender Emanuel Godoy-Lemus, whose case will be retried.
Another co-defendant, Brayan Bonilla-Andrade, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and use of a firearm in a violent crime.
He faces up to two life sentences plus 20 years. A sentencing date has not been set.
Two additional co-defendants, Jonathan Videz Martinez and Carlo Yaque Del Cid, are awaiting trial on related charges.
Castro-Contreras faces multiple life sentences plus 40 years. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18.
