PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A member of a criminal street gang has been indicted for the 2015 murder of a Portland resident and could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Javier Fernando Hernandez, 23, appeared in federal court for the first time on Thursday.
Hernandez is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a gun during a crime of violence and causing death with a gun.
Court documents allege Hernandez murdered Kyle Polk on Dec. 16, 2015, to boost his position in the Hoover Criminal Gang.
Authorities say the Hoover Criminal Gang is involved in racketeering up and down the West Coast. The gang has a history of violence in Oregon including murder, assault, robbery, sex trafficking and drug distribution. The Hoovers have had a presence in Portland since the early 1980s.
Hernandez will remain in custody pending a 4-week jury trial in November.
He could face the death penalty if he’s convicted of murder in aid of racketeering.