Hell's Angels member enters not guilty plea to murder, other charges

OFF THE WIRE
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN | Wednesday, Aug 11 2010 04:24 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Aug 11 2010 04:24 PM

Hell's Angels motorcycle gang member Michael Henry Pena pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and gang charges Wednesday afternoon during an arraignment attended by as many members of the Kern County Sheriff's Department's anti-gang unit as by friends of Pena.

Anti-gang unit members were stationed at the courthouse entrance, outside of Department 12 -- where Pena was arraigned -- and also inside the courtroom. Pena, also known as Delano Mike, was kept from the courtroom until just before the judge entered and then immediately taken from the room after his arraignment.

Bail remains set at $1 million.

Those who were there in support of Pena declined to comment after the proceedings. One man arrived at the courthouse wearing a shirt that said Hell's Angels, which he covered by buttoning up a shirt he was wearing over it.

The charges against Pena, 44, stem from the May 30 stabbing death of 18-year-old Vagos motorcycle gang member Roger Anthony Violano and the wounding of Nerl Rinehart, 69, another Vagos member. The victims were stabbed in front of the Pirate Tattoo Shop at 1905 North Chester Ave., according to deputies' reports.

The Vagos have a rivalry with the Hell's Angels, deputies said. Pena has a Hell's Angels tattoo on his right arm.

A pre-preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 24.

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