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4 charged of killing inmate get at least 20 years each

According to a criminal complaint, Justin Hernandez, described as the gang leader in his prison unit, ordered the beating because of a “disrespect issue”

The Denver Post

DENVER — Four men convicted of killing a fellow inmate at the medium-security federal prison in Florence received decades-long sentences in a Denver courtroom Thursday.

The men, all reputed gang members, were convicted in June of conspiring to murder Pablo Zuniga-Garcia, who died after being beaten by inmates wielding padlocks attached to belts.

According to a criminal complaint, Justin Hernandez, described as the gang leader in his prison unit, ordered the beating because of a “disrespect issue.”

Hernandez on Thursday was sentenced to 40 years in prison, a term that won’t start until after the current 20-year term he is serving ends, according to Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office.

Full Story: 4 convicted of killing fellow inmate get at least 20 years each