2 members of MS-13 gang get life for SC killing

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two men convicted in a murder-for-hire scheme that ended in the death of a West Columbia man nearly three years ago have been sentenced to life in prison.

Martin Teran and Josue Benitez were found guilty of murder-for-hire, illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and illegally re-entering the United States in February.

Prosecutors say the men were members of the MS-13 gang hired by someone in Honduras to kill Jorge Ramos, who was shot in the head and back in November 2008.

Investigators say police in Houston found Benitez with a gun less than two weeks later and it matched the gun used to kill Ramos.

Authorities say Teran also tried to use coded messages to tamper with witnesses while awaiting trial.