New York MS-13 leader Jairo Saenz pleads guilty in 7 murders, avoids life in prison [Video]

A notorious MS-13 gang leader who has admitted to planning, approving or taking part in at least seven murders in a federal racketeering case has avoided the death penalty and life in prison under the terms of a plea deal, authorities said this week.

Jairo Saenz, 28, is expected to receive a sentence of 40 to 60 years in federal prison after admitting to seven murders, multiple attempted murders, arson and other charges. Saenz’s brother Alexi, another gang leader, previously pleaded guilty to similar charges in exchange for an expected sentence of 70 years behind bars.

The Saenz brothers were the leaders of a Suffolk County, New York, branch of MS-13 known as the Sailors, according to federal authorities. Their group was known for extreme brutality and violence, including the murder of two Brentwood High …