SALT LAKE CITY — A documented gang member is facing federal charges accusing him of trying to kill his brother on Christmas Day in exchange for the removal of a hit placed on his own life.
Javier Rafael Pedregon-Magana, 24, of West Jordan, was indicted this week by a federal grand jury with attempted murder, assault resulting in serious injury and assault with a weapon. All three violent crimes were committed while aiding the racketeering enterprise established by Pedregon-Magana's gang, according to charging documents.
On Dec. 25, the Utah Highway Patrol was notified of a fight on I-15 near 2900 South. Troopers arrived to find a man walking south along the right shoulder. The man claimed he, his brother Pedregon-Magana and other family members had been celebrating Christmas together before the victim drove Pedregon-Magana home. Along the way, however, Pedregon-Magana stabbed his brother multiple times, then tried to run him over when the brother got out of the car, according to state charging documents.
Later that night, police received information that Pedregon-Magana was circling the hospital where his brother was, apparently to "finish the job," a police booking affidavit alleges. After he was arrested, Pedregon-Magana said there was a "hit" out on his brother because he was suspected of being a snitch, charging documents state. But Pedregon-Magana also claimed there was a hit out on him.
"Pedregon-Magana was asked to kill (his brother) for $25,000 (and) to have his name 'cleared' because Pedregon-Magana also had hit orders against him," the charges state.
Pedregon-Magana was charged in 3rd District Court with attempted murder.
Federal charges allege that Pedregon-Magana, who has the monikers "Big Payaso" and "Paya," committed the crimes to support his gang's criminal enterprise. Law enforcers say his gang, which has been active in the Salt Lake Valley for about the past 10 years, is one of — if not the most — violent gang they currently deal with and is very active in trying to recruit members.
Court documents go into detail about the numbers, letters, colors and tattoos associated with the gang, and how there are mandatory meetings for its members. The charges also outline the hierarchy of command, what one has to do to become a senior member and the monthly dues they are required to pay.
"Members and associates of the (gang) enterprise committed, attempted to commit, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including acts involving murder, kidnapping, assault and robbery, to enhance the (gang) enterprise's prestige and to protect and expand the (gang) enterprise's criminal operations," the charges state.
Charging documents also state the gang's "members and associates deliberately target juveniles — some as young as 11 — for recruitment. Particular attention is directed toward middle school-aged juveniles. Once a new recruit is 'courted in' or 'jumped in' — beaten by other members/associates for a specified duration — they are not permitted to leave (the gang) under threat of physical violence."
