8 ACCUSED IN SLAYING AT VALLEY PRISON

Inmates Spent Year Plotting Murder, Indictment Alleges

Eight federal prisoners spent a year plotting the murder of a fellow Valley
inmate, then carried out the hit in the prison's recreation yard, an
indictment charged Wednesday.

The victim, Jesus Lopez-Rocha, was being held on narcotics charges at the
Federal Correctional Institution north of Phoenix when he was targeted by
inmates who had seen his pre-sentence report, according to the U.S.
Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors have not divulged the motive for the slaying, but such reports
are prepared by probation officials and typically contain information on a
prisoner's background, criminal activities, confessions and willingness to
cooperate with law enforcement.

Information released by federal authorities Wednesday did not indicate when
the killing occurred.

According to a news release, the defendants plotted the killing from inside
the prison using mail, phone calls and face-to-face conversations. The plan
involved recruiting prisoners from Lopez-Rocha's racial group to carry out
the hit while others acted as backup.

In most prisons, inmates segregate according to race.

FBI agent Susan Herskovits said Lopez-Rocha was assaulted with a shank, or
prison-made knife, near the running track in the recreation yard.

The indictment does not say who is accused of carrying out the attack.
Facing charges of murder and conspiracy are: Jesse Rothchild Moore, Joseph
Nicholas Fuentes, Henri H. Markov, John Joseph Yellowman, Keith Allen
Thomas, Mark Anthony Case, Nicholas Pablo and Stephanie Dawn Thomas.

A conviction for first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life
imprisonment or death, a $250,000 fine or both.