Duke Herrera, a 24-year-old man from Long Beach, California, was found dead on September 19, 2015, in the San Gabriel Riverbed near Carson Street in Lakewood. Herrera, who had the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, was discovered with a single gunshot wound to his upper body. His body was found by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies after they received a call about a man not breathing.
The discovery was made around 10:30 a.m., and Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.
Herrera's family described him as a sweet and caring individual who would not have resisted if someone had tried to take something from him. He was last seen heading home from Social Vocational Services, a program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Herrera had previously gone missing for over a week in 2014, and his family had always been concerned for his safety due to his mental condition.
The investigation into Herrera's death revealed that he was shot execution-style while riding his bicycle home from a movie. Emeterio Figueroa, who lived in a homeless encampment near the riverbed, was later arrested and charged with Herrera's murder. Figueroa was known to carry guns and behave erratically. During the trial, it was revealed that Figueroa had made key admissions to witnesses, including that he killed Herrera to prove he could take a life. Figueroa was also convicted of assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm.
The case against Figueroa included dog scent evidence obtained from a shell casing near Herrera's body, which linked Figueroa to the crime scene. Despite challenges to the reliability of this evidence, the court found it admissible. Witnesses from the riverbed encampment testified against Figueroa, providing crucial information that led to his conviction. The trial court ultimately found Figueroa guilty of murder, and he was sentenced accordingly.
Herrera's family and the authorities have continued to seek justice and closure for his untimely death. The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with special needs and the importance of community support in solving such tragic crimes.
