The Nevada Supreme Court has made a groundbreaking ruling, declaring the Hells Angels motorcycle club as a criminal gang under state law. This unanimous decision, handed down on January 29, 2024, stems from a violent incident dating back to Memorial Day weekend of 2022, when shots rang out on Interstate 11, injuring seven individuals.
The shooting incident allegedly involved members of the Hells Angels targeting their rivals, the Vagos motorcycle club, as they returned to Las Vegas from a holiday event at Hoover Dam. Authorities assert this confrontation may have been fueled by underlying tensions, possibly linked to previous altercations, even citing past murders involving members from both gangs.
At the center of this legal dispute is Richard Devries, who is the president of the Hells Angels' Las Vegas chapter, along with six other alleged members who now find themselves facing serious charges including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Initially, Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones had dismissed several charges against these individuals, arguing the prosecution failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence of gang-related activities.
Details provided during the grand jury proceedings played a pivotal role. Law enforcement testified about the nature of outlaw motorcycle gangs and their operations, noting instances where Hells Angels members have been directed to attack when encountering rivals. The grand jury learned about the ambush, where the Hells Angels allegedly stalked the Vagos members before engaging them on the freeway, leading to the chaotic exchange of gunfire.
Chief Justice Kristina Pickering, writing for the court, highlighted the key role expert testimony played during these proceedings. "We conclude this was an error because the State presented at least slight or marginal evidence to support a reasonable inference..." she explained, indicating the high court believed there was enough circumstantial evidence of the Hells Angels' criminal activities at both the national and state levels to classify them as gang members.
The court's ruling effectively overturns Judge Jones' previous dismissal, enabling the prosecution to pursue gang enhancements against Devries and others involved. The court reiterated the significance of establishing connections between local chapters and the broader national scope of gang operations, noting the importance of their customs and culture, which they described as "central to Hells Angels' customs and culture."
This ruling is part of broader trends across the country where lawmakers are intensifying efforts to combat gang activity, especially involving notorious motorcycle clubs known for their violent history and criminal enterprises. The heightened scrutiny reflects increasing concerns surrounding public safety and the actions of outlaw motorcycle gangs, which have historically posed challenges for law enforcement.
Prosecutors have indicated they will present extensive evidence, including the recovery of spent bullets—25 casings were found at the scene—along with sworn testimonies indicating previous hostile encounters between the Hells Angels and Vagos. They assert these elements will solidify their case during upcoming court proceedings, which are expected to resume around the end of January 2024.
Following Thursday's ruling, Devries, along with co-defendants Stephen Alo, Russell Smith, Aaron Chun, Cameron Treich, Taylor Rodriguez, and Rayann Mollasgo, must prepare for their status check and any new trial dates yet to be scheduled. The road to justice appears long, but the Nevada Supreme Court's decision may well reshape the way gang-related cases are prosecuted moving forward, establishing significant precedence for claiming any motorcycle club as a criminal gang based on their historical conduct and group affiliations.
While the ruling is momentous for law enforcement and the judicial system, it also sharply raises the stakes for members of outlaw motorcycle clubs, who now face heightened scrutiny and potential severe legal repercussions should they engage in violent acts. This case is likely to remain under the spotlight, as both the public and advocates for motorcycle rights keep close watch on how the court proceedings evolve.
