Skinhead Gang Member Ordered to Stand Trial in Teen’s Slaying

A skinhead gang member who allegedly held down a 17-year-old girl as she was stabbed to death four years ago was ordered Thursday to stand trial on a charge of first-degree murder.

Michael Bridgeford, 26, of Oxnard, will also face allegations that the killing of Nichole Hendrix occurred during a robbery and kidnapping, and that the crimes were gang-related.

Bridgeford faces a possible life sentence if convicted. He is one of three defendants to face murder charges in the October 1998 slaying in a Ventura motel.

Bridget Callahan, a gang associate, was convicted of murder last month and is awaiting sentencing, and a preliminary hearing is pending for a second gang member, David Ziesmer.