4 Men Charged In Murder-For-Hire Conspiracy In Huntington Beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police Thursday announced the arrest of four men in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy in Huntington Beach.
According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, the FBI provided officers with information regarding a murder conspiracy that was already in motion.
Undercover detectives then initiated an investigation, and met with one of the men to negotiate a price to murder a person that was well known to the suspects.
Detectives said financial gain appeared to be the motive for the attempt to have the victim murdered.
Authorities subsequently arrested Matthew Austin Taylor, 27, of Long Beach, Joseph Jordan Taylor, 29, of Huntington Beach, John Reid Taylor, 67, of Huntington Beach, and Travis James Sprague, 36, of Long Beach, at locations in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Westminster.
They were each charged with solicitation to commit murder. Matthew, Joseph, and John were also charged with conspiracy.
Officers added that Matthew additionally faces charges for obstruct or resist a peace officer and failure to provide a DNA sample as required by law.
Authorities requested that all four men be held without bail as they are considered to be an ongoing threat to the potential victim in the case.
However, the court denied the request. All four men are being held on $1 million at the West Justice Center, and are awaiting arraignment.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the activities of the suspects are urged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 375-5066.
