Alexi Saenz, the leader of the Brentwood/Central Islip chapter of MS-13, was sentenced to 68 years behind bars for the murders of eight people, including Michael Johnson and Brentwood teens Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas.

Nisa’s mother, Elizabeth Alvarado, brought Nisa’s ashes with her into the courtroom and kept them close by as she spoke to the judge.

“It was a statement," she told reporters.

She said she needed to bring Nisa’s ashes with her so that Nisa would keep her “strong and solid” as she spoke on behalf of her daughter.

Saenz said that he was “so sorry for the pain and loss” he has caused. He did not look at victims' family members, keeping his head down or straight ahead as they gave impact statements.

While behind bars for the murders, Saenz allegedly orchestrated a plan to smuggle contraband, including cellphones, alcohol and pot, into the jail. There was allegedly someone maneuvering a rope to try to get the items into the jail.

George Johnson, the father of victim Michael Johnson, described Saenz as a “coward.” Saenz refused to look at Johnson, who was wearing a shirt bearing the image of his son, as he spoke directly to the defendant at the sentencing.

If Saenz had been convicted and did not have a plea agreement, he could have faced a lifetime sentence, but under the plea agreement between the government and the defense, it was determined that he’d be sentenced anywhere from 40-70 years behind bars.