Virginia Briefing

U.S. DISTRICT COURT

Gang Member Guilty In Killing of Rival

A man who authorities said led a local clique of the gang Mara Salvatrucha has been convicted in federal court in Alexandria of murdering a rival gang member in Springfield in 2007, and the man now faces a mandatory life sentence.

Federal prosecutors said Oscar Omar Lobo-Lopez, 30, of Springfield was the leader of Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha, an offshoot of the gang MS-13. Lobo-Lopez and fellow gang member Sergio Amador had been hunting for Melvin Reyes because he reputedly belonged to the 18th Street gang, authorities said.

On May 5, 2007, Lobo-Lopez and Amador found Reyes in the Springfield Garden apartments in the 7200 block of Commerce Street, chased him and wounded him.

As Reyes lay on the ground, prosecutors said, Lobo-Lopez ordered Amador to "finish him," and Amador shot Reyes in the head. Reyes had been shot nine times. At trial, Amador testified against Lobo-Lopez, who was convicted Tuesday of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and murder in aid of racketeering.

Amador has not been tried yet but is cooperating with the investigation.

-- Tom Jackman

GOVERNOR'S RACE

Bill Clinton Hits Trail With McAuliffe

Former president Bill Clinton will campaign Monday with Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Richmond and Roanoke, helping his longtime friend in his gubernatorial primary race against former delegate Brian Moran and state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (Bath). Clinton attended a New York fundraiser for McAuliffe, but this will be their first joint campaign swing in Virginia.

The three Democratic rivals for the nomination to oppose Republican Robert F. McDonnell in the fall election will meet tonight in Hampton at a debate focused on education.

-- Rosalind S. Helderman