Hillsboro, OR – Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office say they stopped a murder-for-hire plot before anyone was hurt, arresting three men and seizing more than $140,000 in cash, guns, and other weapons.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit learned that 58-year-old Dru Hendrix allegedly conspired to pay Mario Guaderrama, 50, and Zion Unga, 36, to kill a victim. Investigators say the trio planned the attack while all were housed in the Washington County Jail.
Detectives allege Hendrix arranged for Unga to receive $30,000 after his release from jail in October, and also deposited another $30,000 onto Guaderrama’s jail booking account. The plot was uncovered before the plan could be carried out, authorities said.
On Thursday, November 6, detectives arrested Unga, who had already been released. Hendrix and Guaderrama, still in custody on earlier cases, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. Hendrix also faces solicitation to commit murder and witness tampering charges.
The same day, investigators seized approximately $140,000 from accounts linked to the suspects and searched a Hillsboro home tied to Guaderrama, where they found three handguns, a rifle, a silencer, a switchblade knife, and brass knuckles.
All three men remain in custody as prosecutors seek to deny bail. The investigation continues, and additional charges are possible.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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