Facing gang threats, Lisette and her daughter left El Salvador in June, hoping for asylum in America. In early October, they made it to Boston. We trace their long journey. 

Fleeing Salvadoran Gangs, A Months-Long Journey To Boston

Shannon Dooling

Investigative Reporter

Lisette, left, is seeking asylum in the U.S. She fled El Salvador, with a daughter, on July 12, and arrived at Boston's South Station, where she was embraced by her aunt, on Oct. 7. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

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A series on gang violence in El Salvador and those fleeing it to Massachusetts.

Gang Violence In El Salvador

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There are a number of reasons children give for leaving the Central American nation. But the predominant reason is escaping gang violence.

Gang Violence Is Why Most Children Flee El Salvador, Survey Finds

David Boeri

Senior Reporter

Forensic workers lift the body of an alleged gang member into the bed of a truck in San Salvador, El Salvador, on March 7, 2014. (Esteban Felix/AP)

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The murder rate in the Central American nation has increased 50 percent this year. Also up: the number of Salvadoran children fleeing to the United States. 

Brutal Gang Violence Reigns In El Salvador

In this March 7, 2014 file photo, a member of the Salvadoran National Police walks next to graffiti of the Mara Salvatrucha gang painted on a wall during an anti-gang operation in San Salvador. Gang violence is prevalent in the Central American nation, and murders are up this year. 

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In El Salvador Saturday night, a gathering drew thousands of people, including Jesuit priests from the College of the Holy Cross and Boston College, as well as Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern. The event commemorated the murders of six Jesuit priest

25 Years Later, Murders Of Jesuit Priests In El Salvador Resonate In Massachusetts

Thousands joined the candlelit procession, traveling throughout the campus of the University of Central America to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the murder of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and daughter. (Shannon Dooling / WBUR)