The Bilingsgate Misfits

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Bilingsgate Misfits (often abbreviated BGM) was a street gang in Los Santos, San Andreas that originated in 1996 and reached significance in the early 2000s. At its conception, the gang consisted of young men and women attending Los Santos High School. The gang grew to include other locals along Innocence Boulevard and Little Bighorn Avenue, the same territory that they claim. The gang does not represent any specific ethnicity, and instead focuses on its locals to further increase its grasp on its own territory, as well as pursue its business efforts. They concern themselves more with self-preservation than outward hostilities, but have history of violent activity.

Background

"Misfits" band logo used by gang members to identify themselves.

The original members consisted of notable veteran Misfits Devon Ledbetter, Michael Sheffield, Guillermo Lopez, Danny Lions, and Cassie Oum. Michael and Devon frequently sold drugs and cigarettes throughout high school and the others happened to be locals who often stood alongside the two and often got involved with and assisted their business. After many of the founding members were expelled from high school, they resorted to rapidly expanding their drug trade to support themselves without high school degrees. Over time, the group saw more locals flocking to their motel and they developed more internal organization. Loosely formed ranks were made to ensure things went smoothly as the Misfits' numbers rose and they expanded their drug sales beyond marijuana to painkillers, crack cocaine, and PCP. As they grew, so did opposition as the gang claimed Little Bighorn and the corner of Innocence Boulevard that surrounded the Bilingsgate Motel. This lead to an increase in violent activity, especially in attacks from and against local gangs as they hold their neighborhood territory closely.

The gang grew rapidly and eventually saw a small group of the most veteran Misfits handling firearms deals. This got the attention from dealers of both narcotics and weapons which resulted in the murder of one of the gang's members. The retaliation thereafter lead to the peak of violence, and ultimate downfall, for the Misfits. Attacking a pizza shop owned by the men who killed their member resulted in the death of 8 people involved, including two Misfits. The following investigations by the LSPD would lead to the incarceration or death of many leading members of the gang and ultimately the dissolution of the original Misfits.

Identifying members

Members are identified by the the solid dark green or camouflage clothing and accessories. Many longtime members have green cars as well. Common tattoos for Misfits are "BGM", representing Bilingsgsate Misfits, in large, stylized lettering. Members often use iconography from the Misfits band, particularly the skull logo, to represent themselves.

Origin of name

The group's name is based on the Bilingsgate Motel which sits on the corner of Innocence Boulevard and Little Bighorn Avenue. The motel was the residence of many founding members and acted as a central point for the gang throughout its years. Misfits were chosen as many of its original members were outcasts aiming to protect themselves.

Later work & resurgence

The group's alleged ringleader, Devon Ledbetter, went on to have eight felony convictions by 2010. He was finally charged with a life sentence in 2013 for multiple counts of first degree murder after a series of investigations traced back to him years after the incidents. As of 2016, the Misfits have seen a small resurgence as an increase in activity around the Bilingsgate Motel, including Ledbetter's son, made itself known with the armed robbery of a local post office.