'Murder Squad' Gang Members Indicted In Federal Court In San Jose

SAN JOSE, CA -- Two alleged Norteno gang members accused of forming a "murder squad" in Salinas were indicted Tuesday in federal court in San Jose, prosecutors reported.

Anthony Valdez, 21, and Kristopher Purcell, 20, have been charged with multiple offenses, including racketeering conspiracy and murder. The two men were members of the Boronda Boys street gang and hunted and killed rival gang members, those who dropped out of gangs and
anyone who violated gang rules, according to prosecutors.

Valdez is accused of committing a homicide on North Hebbron Avenue in Salinas on Nov. 3 with multiple other suspects. In October, Purcell was charged with a murder on Feb. 11, 2017, at
Fremont Street, and two attempted murders one day later at Orchard Avenue. Purcell additionally faces two counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and multiple weapon charges.

If the two men are convicted of the charges, they could face life in prison or death, according to prosecutors.

--Bay City News/Image via Shutterstock