Teen Hitmen for Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison
San Diego, CA – Two teenagers who acted as hitmen for the Sinaloa Cartel have been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for attempted murder and the death of a fellow gang member during a failed assassination attempt. The sentencing, handed down in federal court, underscores the commitment of law enforcement to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, regardless of age.
Details of the Case
Andrew Núñez and Johncarlo Quintero, both 15 years old at the time of the crimes committed on March 26 and 27, 2024, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to charges of murder and attempted murder. According to court documents, they admitted to working as paid hitmen for the Sinaloa Cartel. Both were affiliated with the Westside Williams gang, which has ties to the Mexican Mafia, and operated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
On March 26, 2024, Núñez and Quintero drove from Wilmington, California, to Chula Vista, where their target was dining with family. As the target left the restaurant, Quintero fired a shot, hitting the victim’s legs, but his gun jammed. Núñez then attempted to run over the victim with their car before they fled the scene.
The following day, March 27, 2024, the two returned to the victim’s home with 28-year-old Ricardo Sánchez, each armed with a firearm. A shootout ensued when they entered the residence, where the victim was with two relatives and a friend. Sánchez was fatally shot during the exchange, and Núñez and Quintero pleaded guilty to his death. The victim’s friend sustained injuries but survived.
Financial Motive and Exploitation of Youth
Núñez and Quintero each anticipated receiving $50,000 for carrying out the hit. They stated they were “selected” for the job due to their age, believing that as minors, they would not be prosecuted as adults under California law.
Broader Investigation and Cartel Connections
A federal grand jury indicted Poly Antunez, Antonio Quinonez, and Jovanny Enriquez in February 2026, alleging they conspired with the teenagers to target the victim, all as part of the same criminal group.
Law Enforcement Response
Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office stated that the sentence sends a clear message: “those who commit acts of violence, regardless of their age, will be held fully accountable under the law.” He further emphasized the FBI’s commitment to dismantling violent gangs, cartels, and criminal organizations responsible for such violence .
Todd W. Robinson warned that the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexican Mafia, the Westside Wilmas, and similar gangs “should know that they will not go unpunished when a minor commits a crime of this type.”
Federal prosecutor Adam Gordon stressed, “No. No to the recruitment of minors by the Sinaloa Cartel.”