I’d guess gang initiation. MS-13 or Crips - kill a white boy to get in.
I don't think so. This is too organized, well planned and successful so far. Young thugs screw up and talk too much. (just like biker gangs). They are more cowboy than Hannibal Lecter. Word would be on the streets and there would be a lot more clues. Hard to make much of a guess with the skimpy details we have other than there's a good chance it's more than one person. And that's not a given at all.
I'd guess you are right.