Federal court officials discuss authorizing death penalty for Steven Carrillo, Robert Justus Jr

(KION) In a federal court hearing Wednesday, officials discussed authorizing the death penalty for Steven Carrillo and Robert Alvin Justus, Jr.

The men are facing charges in connection to the death of a federal officer in Oakland in late May. Investigators believe Carrillo shot the officer, Pat Underwood, from the door of a van Justus drove.

The judge in the case said a potential change in U.S. Attorney General due to the upcoming election is stalling the death penalty authorization process. Officials also said the government is still producing discovery, and as recently as last week, they received more.

Last week, a complaint was released by the FBI related to the arrest of Ivan Hunter, who is accused of shooting at a police station and rioting in Minnesota during the George Floyd protests. According to the complaint, he had allegedly been in contact with Carrillo before, during and after the incidents. Hunter claimed to be a member of the Boogaloo movement, and Carrillo is also suspected of being part of the movement.

The next federal hearing is set for Jan. 27.

Carrillo is also accused of killing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller during an ambush in Ben Lomond in early June. He is scheduled for a hearing on those charges in December.