MS-13 gang member, murder & armed burglary suspect arrested in Berkeley County

LADSON, S.C. (WCIV) — An MS-13 gang member wanted for murder in Texas has been arrested in Berkeley County, and authorities say he's connected to recent crimes in the Charleston area, as well.

According to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, local, state and federal officers working together as part of a fugitive task force arrested Franklin Platero-Rodriguez in Ladson on Tuesday.

Platero-Rodriguez, 21, was wanted for murder by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, and by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) for a 2014 federal failure to appear charge.

Authorities say Platero-Rodriguez shot and killed a person in Texas, then poured gasoline on a vehicle and burned it with the victim inside the trunk.

Platero-Rodriguez came to South Carolina afterward, and was living on Lyn Drive in Ladson, according to the sheriff's office.

"I don't know how or why he ended up here in the Ladson or Berkeley county area," said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. "I don't see a indication that the MS13 gang is here in Berkeley county, that that particular area is prevalent for it."

Berkeley County investigators say they believe Platero-Rodriguez was the person who broke into a home on Lyn Drive early Tuesday morning, robbed the homeowner at gunpoint, and then shot him. The homeowner's injuries weren't life threatening, deputies say.

Authorities doing surveillance saw Platero-Rodriguez leave a Subway restaurant on Highway 78 in Ladson on Tuesday night, followed him and arrested him a short time later.

Lewis added that federal authorities had been watching Platero-Rodriguez for some time before the home invasion.

The sheriff's office said Platero-Rodriguez had a stolen pistol when he was arrested, and was driving a white Ford F-150 that was seen at the Texas murder scene.

Lewis also said evidence suggests the pistol found on Platero-Rodriguez when he was arrested is the murder weapon from the Texas homicide.

Platero-Rodriguez was wanted by ICE since 2014, according to Lewis.

"He has been deported at least once and entered the country illegally again from my understanding," he said.

Platero-Rodriguez is in jail at the Berkeley County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing on charges of unlawful carrying of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and fugitive in possession of a firearm.

He is waiting extradition to Texas to face additional charges.