Murder of Black Man Again by White Man Again Linked to Race

When Russell Courtier of Gresham, a white man, was arrested earlier this month, charged with intentionally running over Darnell Bruce, a black teen, Patch reported that while investigators didn't think race was the primary factor, they were trying to determine what role it played in the incident.

A new report in The Portland Mercury adds some context.

The Mercury says that the 38-year-old Courtier, a convicted felon, has posted pictures on his Facebook page of tattoos indicating he's a member of European Kindred, an Oregon prison-based white supremacist gang.

The paper also indicates that he has made racially charged comments on the page.

Sources indicate they continue to investigate Courtier's past.

Courtier, 38, and Colleen Hunt, 35, were charged with murder after Bruce, 19, of Washington, died from the injuries that he suffered when they ran him down outside of a 7-11 in Gresham. Police said he did not know either of his assailants.

Courtier has pleaded not guilty.

Police say that Courtier was the driver and Hunt was the passenger.

The incident happened at the 7-11 at East Burnside and Southeast 188th Avenue in Gresham.

A friend of Bruce's told police that they had been at the store charging their cell phones when a fight broke out between Bruce and Courtier.

It's not known what started the fight but witnesses told police Courtier smashed Bruce's head into one of the store's windows.

Witnesses told police that Bruce left the store and was pursued by Courtier. At one point, in the parking lot, Bruce pulled a machete on Courtier.

Bruce tried to flee the area.

Courtier and Hunt got into their red 1991 Jeep Cherokee. Hunt told police that she egged her boyfriend on, urging him to "get him, baby."

Courtier told police that while he had thought about just driving away, he made a conscious decision to run Bruce down.

Police were told that after one unsuccessful attempt to hit Bruce, Courtier tried again and was successful.

Courtier and Hunt told police they thought about calling 9-1-1 but decided to flee.

Police, though, had a good description of their vehicle and soon stopped it a few blocks away at Northeast 185th Drive and Northeast Sandy Boulevard.

Courtier and Hunt were then arrested.