California Biker Gang Member On Trial For Conspiracy To Murder Rival Biker

A 62 year old Manteca man went on trial Wednesday (12-16-2010)  in San Joaquin County Superior Court charged with conspiring to murder a rival biker on behalf of his outlaw motorcycle gang called the Misfits.

William Henry Anselmi looks like a "nice old man" sitting in court wearing a dress shirt, San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Mark Dennings told jurors. But, he added, on the street it was a whole different story.

Anselmi had reveled in talk of beheading Jus Brothers Motorcycle Club President Bob "Rebel" Riley and sending it to his club. He also talked of burning the Jus Brothers' clubhouse in Stockton with all its members locked inside.

On Jan. 28, 2009, Dennings said Anselmi opened fire on Riley's Stockton home, striking him in the arm.

Anselmi’s being charged with 13 criminal counts, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and being in a criminal street gang.

San Joaquin County Deputy Public Defender Eric Taylor countered that the case wasn't watertight because it hinged on one witness who had turned the state's evidence. No witnesses will testify to seeing Anselmi at the crime scene, Taylor said.

"Things aren't always what you think at first glance," Taylor said.