Denny's Homicide Suspects Linked to Deadly Gang

Gang detectives with A-P-D believe one of the two suspects in jail after Saturday's deadly robbery at Denny's may be a member of one of the world's most dangerous gangs.

When police caught up with 32-year-old Pablo Ortiz shortly after the killing they noticed he had El Salvador's country code, 503, shaved into his hair. The Albuquerque Journal reports it's a gang sign for MS-13, which stands for Mara Salvatrucha.

The F.B.I. believes 10,000 gang soliders are marking their territory in 33 states and Canada.

We found this 52-minute video online. Journalist Lisa Ling has been following the gang's bloody path and posted this documentary on Google Video.



There is no indication that the second man being held in connection with the shooting, 22-year-old Marvin Lopez-Aguilar, is a member of the gang.

Each man is being held without bail on murder, robbery, kidnapping, and child abuse charges at the Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center. Police continue to look for at least one more suspect.

The female victim, a cook at Denny's, has still not been identified.

Another Astorga Brother Jailed on New Murder Charges.

Matthew Astorga, 31, is accused of killing a man in Kansas. Astorga, who is the older brother of accused deputy killer Michael Paul Astorga, is charged with first degree murder in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was arrested there last Friday after witnesses told police they say saw him shoot 50-year-old Ruben Rodriquez in the stomach during a disturbance in the front yard of the victim's home.

This is not Matthew Astorga’s first murder charge. He pleaded guilty to killing a New Mexico man in 1996. (HatTip) to MG Bralley with background on Matthew Astorga's first conviction here.

He’s also charged with being a criminal in possession of a firearm and attempting to flee or elude police. His bond is set at 1 million dollars.

For more details check the local Kansas newspaper report here.