Hells Angel murder case delayed

OFF THE WIRE
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
The arraignment for Hells Angels motorcycle gang member Michael Henry Pena on murder, attempted murder and gang charges was delayed Friday to Aug. 11 to give the Public Defender's staff time to determine if it has any conflicts of interest in the case.

Conflicts could occur if the Public Defender's staff has represented any victims or witnesses in the case.

The charges against Pena, 44, also known as Delano Mike, stem from the May 30 stabbing death of a Vagos motorcycle gang member, Roger Anthony Violano, 18, and the wounding of another Vagos member, Nerl Rinehart, 69, sheriff's deputies reported.

The Vagos have a rivalry with the Hells Angels of which Pena is a member, deputies said. Pena had a Hells Angels tattoo on his right arm.

The victims were stabbed in front of the Pirate Tattoo Shop, 1905 North Chester Ave., deputies said. Pena was arrested Wednesday in front of the same shop, deputies reported.

When deputies first heard of a fight at the shop on May 30, there was no sign that any of the involved people were there, deputies reported.

But a short time later, the victims showed up at Kern Medical Center where Violano died and Rinehart was treated for serious wounds, deputies reported.

Judge Michael Lewis set a $1 million bail for Pena.