Three men accused in federal court in the gang-related killing of a 17-year-old Brockton boy six years ago will not face the death penalty if convicted.

The U.S. attorney's office filed a notice in federal court this week saying it will not seek the death penalty against Amando Monteiro, 26, of Dorchester; Angelo Brandao, 25, of Brockton; and Louis Rodrigues, 26, of Randolph in the slaying of Dinho Fernandes on Sylvester Street in Brockton on March 17, 1999.

The three suspects are accused of being members of a gang involved in drug dealing and shootings. The Stonehurst Street gang, out of Dorchester, was known to operate in Brockton, Randolph and Providence.

The trio are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, the charge that carried the death penalty. They also face racketeering, conspiracy and gun charges in federal court.

The federal charges are the only ones pending in connection with the Fernandes killing. No state murder charges have been filed in the case.

(They deserve to get the death penalty)