Duke Herrera, 24

Sept. 22, 2015

Duke Herrera, a 24-year-old Latino, was found dead Saturday, Sept. 19, in the bed of the San Gabriel River just north of Carson Street in Lakewood, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to the scene about 10:30 a.m. regarding a man not breathing. When they arrived, they found Herrera lying on the ground at the bottom of the embankment in the San Gabriel Riverbed, according to a department news release.

The Times reported that Herrera had a single gunshot wound to the upper body. He was reported dead at the scene at 10:44 a.m., according to coroner’s records.

Family members told KABC-TV that Herrera had the mental capacity of a 10-year-old but could still ride a bicycle and use public transportation. They had expected him to head home Friday after going to the Lakewood-based Social Vocational Services, a program that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Times reported.

Herrera had disappeared before for more than a week, after leaving his Norwalk home on Hayford Street on May 11, 2014. The Sheriff's Department issued a missing persons bulletin for Herrera eight days later, describing him as a diagnosed schizophrenic who suffered from depression.

On Saturday, Herrera's body was found near the Long Beach-Lakewood border, near a popular jogging and biking path that runs alongside the riverbed. The Long Beach Towne Center shopping area is on the other side of Carson Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Note, Sept. 24: This story was updated to include information about Herrera's mental capacity.

Share a memory or thought about Duke Herrera

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

16 reader comments

I need to address a few things after reading the comments made. Jannie...yes there is much more to the story...but unfortunately I can't comment on this post. I don't want to add more pain to anyone who is already affected emotionally by Dukes death. I pray that the truths will unfold in due time...and there will be more understanding of what transpired before his life was taken. And I must agree with Mr Waldon in stating about the funding issue. What I have found thru some painful trials...Dukes death being the most painful..the system seems to not only be failing people...but it's failing those employed in governmental positions. It's lack of funding that truly is the biggest factor in how well they handle each case. The more crimes...the more caseloads..yet the same amount of employees. The department's have a budget which sets the number of employees for that fiscal year. Unfortunately...it's not always enough manpower to handle the cases as crime rates go up! I try and not forget that the officers who are handling things are human and they risk their lives everyday... for all of us. I know that I couldn't do what they do. I am learning about the system...and learning what I can do to help make changes. Bringing Justice for Duke has grown into something quite bigger than what I ever imagined.

— Rose Herrera Feb. 15, 2016 at 5:27 a.m.

Ms. Jannie - I am sorry that you may have interpreted my post in such a way, but if you would please re-read my post, I used the term "authorities" which are person(s) in whom authority is vested (through a governmental agency); so the accountability that I am pointing to is not only on our law enforcement, but ultimately rests on the shoulders of our elected officials. Funding plays a big role in how well our detectives can do their jobs. Our elected officials are supposed to make sure that our detectives can solve cases, as well as, fulfill their campaign promises of "safe neighborhoods" and "being tough on crime," however, I have not heard one elected official from LA County make a plea for this man, and I never received a call-back from the LA County Sheriff Detective assigned to the case, so how is one to make a conclusions that our "authorities" are doing a good job when all we have is silence....

— Garry Walden Feb. 8, 2016 at 5:08 p.m.

My deepest sympathies to the Herrera family. I am a regular commuter on the SG bike path. At least three days a week I ride past Duke's makeshift memorial, and although I did not know Duke personally, I grew up in Norwalk, and spent much of my 30 year career in social services working to help people with developmental challenges. Needless to say, I was deeply touched by Duke's death. It is a terrible tragedy when someone's life is taken away, especially in the way in which Duke's life appears to have been taken, callously. Unfortunately, more callous, is the fact that his murder (at this time) remains unsolved, and therefore, another blow to the family (as well as the community) who must endure the ongoing pain of injustice. How atrocious it is that a mother must plead for her son's killer to turn him or herself in because our authorities are unable to fulfill their obligation to our communities. I would urge the Herrera family not to give up on justice, and keep pushing forward! I see people at his memorial almost every time I ride the bike path, and I know that there are a lot of people, who like myself, are willing to advocate for Duke, as well as, those with developmental challenges.

— Garry Walden Jan. 27, 2016 at 8:35 a.m.

Son...everyday from the last day I saw you before me...there has been such an emptiness and sorrow. I know you are in heaven now...and you can see the truths...and my love. I need to see this place where you took your last breath. Forgiving is so hard...but it's what I must do. You are in heaven and God asks us to forgive.
I don't know who you are..the person who took my son's life. I want you to know that I forgive you...I don't know what has happened in your life to lead to this. Maybe no one loved you enough to show you GOD. Please do right by my son...turn things around. I promise you that I will forgive you and pray for you. Nothing will bring my son back...but it's not too late for you to be riteous. Please I beg you...turn yourself in.The family needs closure. Turn to God. It can still be ok. Sincerely...Rose( Dukes mom)

— Rose Herrera Jan. 21, 2016 at 8:18 a.m.

SHOCK AND AWE""dear coward i would spend time telling about ur life running from the law. And how u will suffer from constant anxiety looking thru ur window and ur back. U took an innocent life. A half man half child. That meant no harm to u or society itself. When you run from the law allow me to advise you the beauty of GODS LAW. You will be in a situation where help is no longer around. Phone calls are ignored. Your jeans and t shirt tired as your face from running. You will soon get caught. And when you get sentenced let the inmates know what you did to challenged young man. And lets us all witness to taking a challenge against them. You have to use a gun to kill an innocent man. Please try to do the same in prison but...with ur knuckles....hmmmm i thought so...

— jake Oct. 3, 2015 at 11:11 a.m.

The Homicide Report

Duke Herrera, 24

Share a memory or thought about Duke Herrera

16 reader comments