Jury convicts first defendant in MS-13 slaying of teen

BEDFORD (AP) Jurors have convicted a 21-year-old man accused of being an MS-13 gang member who participated in the killing of a Lynchburg teenager.

A Bedford County jury on Oct. 19 found Victor Arnoldo Rodas guilty of first-degree murder and gang participation, The Roanoke Times reported. Jurors recommended a 55-year sentence for his role in the 2017 slaying of Raymond Wood. A judge will determine the sentence at a later date.

Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance told the newspaper prosecutors are “very satisfied” with the verdict.

Rodas is one of five men charged with capital murder in Wood’s death. Wood was 17 when he was killed.

Rodas’ attorney argued that his client was ordered to be the driver for a gang slaying that he didn’t otherwise participate in.