Men accused of Aryan brotherhood ties could face death for 2008 killing
Two men said to be part of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas could face the death penalty in connection with the death of a Liberty County man involved in a competing Aryan Brotherhood faction.
Steven Walter Cooke, 43, of Tomball, and David Jason Michels, 28, of Magnolia, went before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin on Wednesday for their initial court appearances, according to the U.S. District Attorney John Bales' office. If convicted, the two face up to life in prison or the death penalty.
Cooke and Michels were indicted in July for violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possessing and discharging a firearm with the intention of committing a crime or violence resulting in death, according to a news release from Bales' office.
The indictment states Cooke and Michels killed Scott Freeman, 37, of Livingston, on Oct. 12, 2008, in Liberty County to help their position in the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, according to Bales' office. Freeman was a member of a competing faction of the group, the release states.
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/men_linked_to_aryan_brotherhood_could_face_death_f or_2008_killing.htm
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