Fairfax Teen Is Charged In Machete Wounding

Authorities estimate that there are 1,200 to 1,500 members locally, and the gang has been linked to at least five slayings in Virginia, including the killing of a federal witness, in addition to baseball bat beatings and rapes.

South Side Locos was organized in the area a little more than two years ago by a former Mara Salvatrucha member whose uncle was killed by another MS-13 member and has recruited members quickly, according to Sgt. Greg Smith of the Fairfax police gang unit.

Police said that while MS-13 primarily attracts Latino members, SSL is multiracial.

Authorities estimate that SSL's ranks have grown to about 400 members.

Mora said in court documents that SSL members have been charged with violent crimes and drug offenses.

Devlin said yesterday that the investigation is continuing and that additional arrests are likely. But she stressed that arrests in this case will not solve the problem and encouraged teenagers to come forward with information about gangs.

"Its really time for the youth in Fairfax County to say we can no longer afford to be silent," Devlin said.

"We need kids to step up and take a leadership position," she added.

As police continue to search for suspects, the wounded 16-year-old, a student at Richard M. Milburn High School, an alternative school, faces a long and painful recovery, said his surgeon, Khalique S. Zahir at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Zahir said he expects that after several months of rehabilitation, the youth will regain nearly complete use of his right hand and that he will be able to move his left thumb.

Virginia Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore (R), who has been hosting a series of community meetings on gang violence and has pushed for new laws to combat gangs, said the attack is a reminder that more needs to be done to thwart gang activity.

He said he's concerned that the rivalry between MS-13 and SSL could escalate.

"MS-13 has dominated for so long in Virginia that having SSL come in ratchets this up a lot," Kilgore said. "This ought to be a wake-up call to the community and to parents."