A convicted murderer, identified as Michael Angel Alvarez and known as “Diablo,” has been released after a federal judge dismissed the indictment against him. US District Judge Anne Hwang ruled that Alvarez's 2002 murder conviction no longer qualified as a felony under California’s Proposition 57, which was key to the federal body-armor case against him.

Alvarez, 41, had been charged with possession of body armor by a violent felon. Prosecutors needed his prior murder conviction to retain its felony status for the federal charge. The US Attorney’s Office criticized the outcome, stating, “Alvarez is a convicted murderer and a documented member of the 18th Street gang … he has no legitimate role serving as a ‘peace ambassador’ in a public park or receiving taxpayer-funded compensation.” The office added it was unfortunate he benefits from a California law that allows him to erase his murder conviction, something his victim cannot do.

The case gained attention due to Alvarez’s role as a “Peace Ambassador” for a nonprofit contracted by Los Angeles. Between June 2024 and May 2027, the city agreed to allocate $450,000 from its general fund for the program. Alvarez personally received $58,156 in 2025 through this program, intended to prevent violence and intervene in crises in areas like MacArthur Park.

Federal authorities alleged Alvarez maintained ties to the 18th Street gang while working as a violence-prevention advocate. Investigators reportedly cited jailhouse calls in which Alvarez allegedly discussed punishing individuals who violated gang rules. On May 18, Alvarez was detained by officers near MacArthur Park. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered two body armor plates described as offering “the highest protection level available on the civilian market” in the trunk.

Alvarez was 15 years old when he was convicted of first-degree murder in 2002. He was sentenced to 50 years to life and served 24 years before his release. The federal charge also noted an April 2025 felony conviction for being a prisoner in possession of a weapon.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli had previously criticized the arrangement, stating in May that taxpayers deserve better than to fund a convicted gang murderer. With the dismissal of the federal indictment, Alvarez has been released.