An Oregon couple accused of killing a black teenager has been charged with a hate crime, as officials say their actions were racially motivated.
An Oregon couple accused of killing a black teenager has been charged with a hate crime, as officials say their actions were racially motivated.
According to KGW, the incident occurred on August 10 when Russell Courtier, 38, allegedly chased down and ran over 19-year-old Larnell Bruce with his Jeep after an alleged dispute; Colleen Hunt, 35, was a passenger in the vehicle.
Courtier and Hunt were ultimately arrested for murder and denied bail.
In addition to the list of charges they already face for the murder of the teenager, on Monday, a grand jury indicted the duo for intimidation in the first degree.
According to the Associated Press, "intimidation means the defendants are accused of acting based on their perception of the victim's race, color, religion or disability.”
Courtier is believed to be a member of a white supremacist group called European Kindred, notes Time.
The Gresham Police Department has issued a news release saying they investigated this affiliation and established a motive with the help of “additional witnesses, including subject matter experts on white supremacy gangs.”
Courtier and Hunt have pleaded not guilty to the murder and intimidation charges.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
