Salinas gang members charged with forming ‘murder squad’
UPDATE: 12/12/2018 12:01 p.m. A federal grand jury has returned murder charges against two members for the notorious gang who allegedly created a ‘murder squad’ to track down and kill their rivals.
The U.S. Attorney’s office announced that Anthony Valdez aka “Hitter,” aka “Tony Boronda” and Kristopher Purcell, aka “K-Dawg” have been charged with murder, attempted murder, racketeering and the use of a firearm.
According to the indictment, 21-year-old Valdez and 20-year-old Purcell along with other Boronda Boys street gang members and associates are accused of forming a “murder squad” that hunted and killed rival gang members, gang dropouts, and others who violated gang rules.
The murder squad also targeted those perceived to be rival gang members and other persons when it suited the purposes of the gang.
In this case, Valdez and others are alleged to have murdered a victim on North Hebbron Avenue in Salinas on November 3rd. The victim was identified as 43-year-old Felix Francisco.
Valdez is charged with racketeering; conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering and the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Purcell is alleged to have murdered a victim on Fremont Street in Salinas on February 11, 2017 and attempting to murder two victims on Orchard Avenue in Salinas the next day, February 12, 2017.
He is charged with racketeering; conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering; murder in aid of racketeering and the use of a firearm causing murder. Purcell also faces two additional counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and other charges.
If convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, the defendants would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison or death. The remaining charges carry separate penalties.
Valdez was arrested and made an initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday. He was scheduled to make his next appearance on December 27, 2018, for identification of counsel.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation conducted by the Salinas Police Department in partnership with the FBI.
Members of the public who have information regarding gang-related activities are encouraged to contact FBI San Francisco Division at 415-553-7400.
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11/29/2018 12:43 p.m. The Salinas Police Department has located the family of a homicide victim weeks after the victim died.
43-year-old Felix Francisco was shot and killed on N. Hebbron Street on Nov. 3.
Police do not have a motive yet, but are looking into the possibility of a gang-related shooting.
“We hope that additional information from the public may be helpful in leading to the arrest of those responsible for this senseless act and bring some closure to the family,” said SPD.
Anyone with information can call Salinas police at 831-775-4222.
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Salinas police are investigating a murder that happened on Saturday morning at around 1:30.
It happened near the under 100 block of North Hebbron Avenue.
Police got reports from members of the community who heard gunshots and a ShotSpotter activation.
When officers arrived, they found a Hispanic man in his late 20’s or early 30’s lying in the driveway of a complex.
He had multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Police do not have a motive yet, but are looking into the possibility of a gang-related shooting.
The investigation is ongoing, and police ask that you call Detective Ruben Sanchez at (831) 758-7927 if you have any information.
