James Duty, a 31-year-old resident of Riverside, California, tragically lost his life on May 21, 2017. Duty, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, was fatally shot at a Shell gas station in Riverside. On that fateful day, Duty and several fellow Hells Angels members were refueling their motorcycles when they were ambushed by members of the rival Mongols motorcycle gang. Joshua Herbert, a 27-year-old member of the Mongols, was identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
Herbert allegedly exited a vehicle and opened fire on the group, striking Duty multiple times. Despite immediate medical attention, Duty succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into Duty's death revealed that the shooting was part of an ongoing feud between the Hells Angels and the Mongols. The Riverside Police Department, along with several other law enforcement agencies, conducted a thorough investigation that included reviewing security footage and executing search warrants at multiple locations. These efforts led to the arrest of Joshua Herbert, who was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and criminal gang membership. Herbert was taken into custody without incident and held without bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. The firearm used in the shooting, along with other weapons and gang paraphernalia, was recovered during the raids.
Herbert's arrest marked a significant development in the case, but the investigation continued as authorities sought to identify and apprehend the driver of the vehicle involved in the shooting, who remained at large. The Riverside County District Attorney's office announced that Herbert faced special circumstances that could make him eligible for the death penalty. The case highlighted the violent rivalry between the Hells Angels and the Mongols, with investigators looking into other related incidents to prevent further escalation.
The legal proceedings against Herbert included charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, attempted murder, and enhancements for the use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of two notorious motorcycle gangs and the brutal nature of the crime. As the legal process unfolded, the community of Riverside and the broader law enforcement community remained vigilant in their efforts to address gang-related violence and bring those responsible to justice.
