LA teens admit to cartel murder plot at Chula Vista San Diego Chili’s
Two teenagers from Los Angeles have recently pleaded guilty to acting as hitmen for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, engaging in a failed “gangland assassination” plot that resulted in the death of one of their own accomplices and the injury of two others. The teens, known as Andrew Nunez, also called “Shooter,” and Johncarlo Quintero, also known as “Dumper,” confessed in federal court that they were offered $50,000 each by the cartel to carry out the hit.
The first attempt to kill their target took place outside a Chili’s restaurant in Chula Vista, San Diego. Quintero managed to shoot the victim in the leg, but when he tried to finish the job, his gun malfunctioned. Nunez then attempted to run over the victim with a vehicle, but was unsuccessful. Less than five hours later, the teens made a second attempt at the victim’s home, accompanied by an accomplice, Ricardo Sanchez, 28. Tragically, Sanchez lost his life during a shootout, and one person inside the house sustained injuries.
Despite the violence of their actions, it was revealed that Nunez and Quintero were only 15 years old at the time and members of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas gang. They admitted that they took on the hit job in order to elevate their standing within the gang and were selected due to their young age. The teens were fully aware that they would not be tried as adults under California law if apprehended.
The duo was charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering and murder in aid of racketeering for their role in promoting the Westside Wilmas Enterprise through the violent acts they committed. The murder charge specifically pertained to the death of their accomplice, Sanchez. Following their guilty pleas, both Nunez and Quintero are scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, 2026.
In a significant development, US Attorney Adam Gordon highlighted the impact of California legislation passed in 2018, Senate Bill 1391, which effectively prevents 14- and 15-year-olds from being prosecuted in adult criminal court, regardless of the seriousness of the crimes they commit. Gordon emphasized the need for a robust response to the vicious nature of cartel and gang violence, rather than providing leniency to young offenders involved in such criminal activities.
