Alleged gang member federally charged following attempted murder of his brother on Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — An alleged member or associate of a criminal organization appeared in court today after reportedly attempting to murder his brother on Christmas.

Javier Pedregon-Magana, 24 — also known by the names “Big Payaso” and “Paya” — of West Jordan, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City on Feb. 12, 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

He is charged with violent crime in aid of racketeering — assault resulting in serious bodily injury, violent crime in aid of racketeering — assault with a dangerous weapon, and violent crime in aid of racketeering — attempted murder.

Court documents state that on Dec. 25, 2024, Pedregon-Magana had allegedly engaged in a premeditated attack on his brother and stabbed him seven times. He then reportedly drove the victim’s car and attempted to run the victim down while he was fleeing on foot.

Documents say that Pedregon-Magana is a member of a criminal street gang (CSG) and that the stabbing had been motivated by his desire to “restore his good standing with the CSG.”

According to documents, Pedregon-Magana told officers that there had been a “hit” put on his brother as he was suspected of “snitching.” The suspect also reportedly had hit orders against him, and was ordered to kill his brother in order to clear his own name.

The victim needed immediate life-saving medical attention due to receiving multiple stab wounds.

The case is being investigated by the Sandy City Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Metro Gang Unit. This case is a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program.