Fernando Herrera, an armored car guard, tragically lost his life on November 30, 1995, in Long Beach, California. His death was the result of a violent robbery-murder that took place at Queen City Bank. Herrera was performing his duties when he was ambushed and fatally shot by members of a Carson-area gang. This incident was part of a series of brutal crimes committed by the gang during a crime spree in the mid-1990s.
The investigation into Herrera's murder led to the arrest and
conviction of Kendrick Loot and Bruce Millsap, two notorious gang members. Loot and Millsap were involved in multiple violent robberies and murders across Southern California. Their modus operandi involved sneaking up on armored car guards, executing them, and stealing the money they were transporting. The authorities described Loot and Millsap as extremely dangerous individuals, showing no compassion for human life.
In February 2000, both Loot and Millsap were sentenced to death for their roles in the crime wave. Loot received one death sentence plus two life sentences without the possibility of parole for his involvement in the murders of Fernando Herrera, James Moon, and Ramone McKissick. Millsap, on the other hand, was sentenced to eight death sentences plus 200 years for the first-degree murders of eight people. The court proceedings revealed the extent of their cruelty and callousness, with the judge and prosecutors emphasizing the need for justice to be served.
The case against Loot and Millsap was marked by several dramatic moments, including Loot's outburst in court and his assault on a deputy. Additionally, Millsap faced further charges for attempting to hire someone to kill the prosecutors and witnesses involved in the case. Despite the convictions and sentences, the appeals process for death row inmates in California is lengthy, and both men remain on death row as their cases continue to navigate the legal system.
Fernando Herrera's death highlighted the dangers faced by armored car guards and the impact of violent crime on communities. The successful prosecution of his killers brought some measure of justice to his family and underscored the efforts of law enforcement to combat gang-related violence.
