Gangland

Latin Kings

The Latin Kings is a Chicago/New York-based street gang consisting of mainly of Spanish-speaking or Hispanic members. It began in the Chicago area in the 1940s as a means for Hispanics to protect themselves, their neighborhoods and their families.

By the 1970's, the Latin Kings came to be dominated by individuals engaged in criminal activity, and in particular, narcotics trafficking. The Latin Kings have since spread through all of Latin America and into Europe, specifically Spain.

In 1986, Luis Felipe, calling himself "King Blood," started a new chapter in New York while at Collins correctional facility. The Latin Kings grew into the thousands by the mid 1990s.

After a rampage in 1995 throughout New York City, dozens of members were arrested and charged with everything from arson to murder. Most plead guilty. "King Blood" was found guilty of all charges, including 8 counts of murder.

Through the late 90s, the Kings tried to polish its image, but was still teaming with crime. Latin King violence still runs amok in the prison system.

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