UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ ER Doe 1 speaks out, files complaint
The complaint, authored by Gundersen’s wife (Doe 1), alleges that the HCSO and District Attorney’s Office violated her civil rights, falsely imprisoned her on Feb. 8, coerced a statement out of her that day and conspired to imprison Gundersen.
“There’s a whole other side to this story,” Doe 1 said in an interview Wednesday. “I just thought I need to get this out.”...
As a result of Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson’s decision to allow testimony from Gundersen’s ex-wife Monday, and other compounding events since Feb. 8, Doe 1 said she felt the truth needed to be told.
“I’m the only person who can do that,” she said, “because David can’t be heard.”...
In the four-page complaint sent to the Humboldt County Grand Jury and both the California and U.S. Attorney General’s Office, Doe 1 wrote how a custody battle turned into a conspiracy against her husband.
“I felt I was entrapped and coerced,” she said. “I think someone else should review this.”...
Much of the complaint described in detail what Doe 1 had testified during Gundersen’s preliminary hearing in April, which included how she “felt coerced” into giving statements about non-consensual sex by her husband during a seven-hour interview on Feb. 8 that she couldn’t walk away from.
The District Attorney’s Office had to subpoena Doe 1 to the stand, as she had no intention on testifying.
Doe 1 added in the complaint that she answered questions “sarcastically,” such as telling the three HCSO investigators interviewing her that Gundersen had non-consensual sex with her 365 times when asked if he ever did.
During the preliminary hearing, Doe 1 testified that Gundersen had non-consensual sex with her at least once a month between 2005 and 2007.
As Doe 1 testified before, she had no intention on pressing any charges against Gundersen and merely wanted to talk about police assistance if anything got out of control between the two.
Doe 1 also wrote about events leading up to that encounter with law enforcement.
Sometime in December 2001, Doe 1 wrote that Gundersen’s ex-wife told her that he had raped her and it would happen to her as well.
Events happened in the summer of 2007, Doe 1 wrote, moved Gundersen to file for full custody of his children. At that point, Gundersen’s ex-wife hired Joan Gallegos, wife of Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos, to represent her in the family matter.
By the time Jan. 28 rolled around, Doe 1 wrote she wanted a separation with Gundersen.
On that day, Doe 1 wrote that Gundersen’s ex-wife told her she could use Paul Gallegos’ willingness to prosecute Gundersen for allegedly raping her in the past as a way to get rid of Gundersen — this after Joan Gallegos allegedly talked with him about it.
“I believe this was a conspiracy between (Paul Gallegos), his wife and (Gundersen’s ex-wife) in an attempt for (Gundersen’s ex-wife) to gain full custody of the kids,” she wrote. “Her plan worked.”...
Joan Gallegos issued a denial.
☛ TS Gundersen's wife alleges misconductby law enforcement
In a letter sent to a variety of agencies Wednesday, former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen's wife is accusing the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department of civil rights violations, police coercion, false imprisonment and conspiracy...
From the outset, Gundersen's attorney Russell Clanton has contended the investigation and charges took root in an ongoing and bitter custody battle between Gundersen and his ex-wife. Gundersen's wife's letter, which she said she mailed Wednesday to the Humboldt County Grand Jury, the Attorney General's Office and the United States Attorney's Office, echoes that claim.
In the five-page letter, Gundersen's wife, Jane Doe 1, wrote that she told an investigator on the day of Gundersen's arrest that she hadn't been raped and, at times, contradicts the testimony she gave under oath during Gundersen's preliminary hearing.
Reached Wednesday, District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he doesn't see Jane Doe 1's letter having any impact on Gundersen's case.
”Those agencies that have received this, if they feel it's appropriate they will investigate, and they will have all the information,” Gallegos said, adding that his office hasn't committed any of the offenses alleged in the letter. “(Jane Doe 1) is a victim and she's been victimized, but not by us.”...
In the letter, Jane Doe 1 claims that she “sarcastically” answered investigators' questions during an interview on the day of Gundersen's arrest, that investigators would not let her leave and that, prior to Gundersen's preliminary hearing, “numerous threats were made including arrest.” She claims was told she didn't have the right to not testify in the case.
Jane Doe 1 also states her belief that Gundersen's ex-wife was behind the entire investigation.
”I believe (his ex-wife) set me up,” she writes.
According to the letter, Gundersen and his ex-wife hold a lot of animosity toward each other after a bitter divorce and an ensuing battle over custody of the couple's two children.
Jane Doe 1 states that Gundersen's ex-wife, an employee with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, told her in 2001 that she believed Gundersen had raped her while the two were married -- claims the ex-wife has also made to a court investigator, DA investigators and, most recently, on the stand in a pre-trial hearing in Gundersen's current case.
”Over the years she said things to me, to the effect that Dave would eventually rape me too,” Jane Doe 1 writes in the letter.
According to the letter, things started to come to a head on Jan. 28, when Jane Doe 1 claims Gundersen's ex-wife called her and said she had repeated her rape allegations to her divorce attorney Joan Gallegos -- the wife of District Attorney Paul Gallegos.
”(Gundersen's ex-wife) told me that Joan told her she had discussed the rape with her husband Paul and that he would be willing to prosecute Dave for rape if she wanted,” Jane Doe 1 writes. “(Gundersen's ex-wife), knowing that I wanted a separation from Dave due to our own marital problems, told me that we could use the fact that the (district attorney) was willing to press charges on Dave to get him to leave the county. (Gundersen's ex-wife) and I spoke many times this same day because I was not OK with her blackmailing him.”...
Jane Doe 1 writes that she learned from her psychiatrist after the preliminary hearing that the effects of Lunesta are light and not so intoxicating as to make her unable to give consent. She also reiterates her belief that this whole case has spawned out of Gundersen's custody battle with his ex-wife.
”I have told the DA, Paul Gallegos, several times that I believe this was a conspiracy between he, his wife, and (Gundersen's ex-wife) in an attempt for (Gundersen's ex-wife) to gain full custody of the kids,” Jane Doe 1 writes. “Her plan worked. Dave was arrested on Feb. 8 and she had an order of full custody on the 11th.”...
Joan Gallegos said the conspiracy allegation simply doesn't make sense, as neither she, her client nor Paul Gallegos have benefited in any way from the case.
For his part, Gallegos said the case will simply have to play out in court.
”I've seen what she's written, but I don't know the motivation behind it or the actual author of it,” he said. “We understand she's afraid and we understand the dynamics of these types of cases.”
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Rape Crisis Center subpoena - withdrawn - UPDATED
From what I hear - developing. No, not withdrawn, exactly. Gallegos couldn't justify it.
☛ ER Rape Crisis won’t testify at Gundersen trial
Humboldt Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of a motion to quash a subpoena directed at the North Coast Rape Crisis Center Wednesday.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with a Jane Doe in former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen’s trial after receiving a document allegedly authored by them.
After determining they did not author it, Gallegos said he didn’t need the witness to testify.
In a previous interview, Gallegos said he wanted the counsel to testify for “transactional” reasons and not to discuss what Doe 1 may have said in private sessions.
He compared it to the counselor testifying that they saw their patient at the supermarket.
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ ER Rape Crisis won’t testify at Gundersen trial
Humboldt Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of a motion to quash a subpoena directed at the North Coast Rape Crisis Center Wednesday.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with a Jane Doe in former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen’s trial after receiving a document allegedly authored by them.
After determining they did not author it, Gallegos said he didn’t need the witness to testify.
In a previous interview, Gallegos said he wanted the counsel to testify for “transactional” reasons and not to discuss what Doe 1 may have said in private sessions.
He compared it to the counselor testifying that they saw their patient at the supermarket.
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter
Update:
☛ TS Dowdy: No contest to manslaughter 7/30/08
☛ ER Fortuna Christmas Eve murder suspect freed 7/30/08
☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08
☛ TS Dowdy to be released today
☛ TS Dowdy: No contest to manslaughter 7/30/08
☛ ER Fortuna Christmas Eve murder suspect freed 7/30/08
☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08
☛ TS Dowdy to be released today
For the misdemeanor crime, Dowdy was sentenced to time already served without probation, and is to be discharged after he is processed at the jail, where he serves 190 days since January, following the Christmas Eve 2007 shooting death of Fortuna resident David Steed.
Facts. And truth.
George Clarks' recent foray into the Eureka City Council Race as the "progressive" candidate deserves scrutiny, since all signs are that Salzman is involved in this campaign.
Clark's recent fundraising letter contains the following statement: ...the right-wing developers will raise thousands of dollars to fund my opponent. In 2004, they spent over $150,000 in an attempt to unseat Chris Kerrigan, and in 2006 they spent nearly that amount in an attempt to defeat Supervisor Bonnie Neely. Often this money is raised in $1,000 chunks from big developers who are able to write those checks....
Correct me if I am wrong, Mr. Clark - But I believe Kerrigan outspent Rex Bohn with Kerrigan spending about $105,000, and Bohn at $102.000 or so.
What I remember is Bohn had about 20 pages or more listing small donors and the highest donation was $2K or so for an auction item, compared to Kerrigan's five pages or so that listed lots of large donors, the largest of which were Bill Pierson family entities totaling $12K+.
And, of course there was the infamous hit piece by Salzman himself.
Clark's recent fundraising letter contains the following statement: ...the right-wing developers will raise thousands of dollars to fund my opponent. In 2004, they spent over $150,000 in an attempt to unseat Chris Kerrigan, and in 2006 they spent nearly that amount in an attempt to defeat Supervisor Bonnie Neely. Often this money is raised in $1,000 chunks from big developers who are able to write those checks....
Correct me if I am wrong, Mr. Clark - But I believe Kerrigan outspent Rex Bohn with Kerrigan spending about $105,000, and Bohn at $102.000 or so.
What I remember is Bohn had about 20 pages or more listing small donors and the highest donation was $2K or so for an auction item, compared to Kerrigan's five pages or so that listed lots of large donors, the largest of which were Bill Pierson family entities totaling $12K+.
And, of course there was the infamous hit piece by Salzman himself.
But it IS laughable.
☛ from the Chicago Tribune
The Illinois General Assembly bill, also known as HB 4520, was introduced in January by Rep. Ken Dunkin (D- Chicago), who then insisted: "This legislation is not laughable. On the surface it's like, 'Oh wow, what is this?' But it's becoming more and more of a common problem with people haplessly crossing an intersection and almost killing themselves."
Under the proposed law, Illinois residents would get slapped with a misdemeanor and a $25 fine if caught using a cell phone or other wireless device while traversing streets.
A misdemeanor and a fine for using your cell phone or texting WHILE WALKING!
The Illinois General Assembly bill, also known as HB 4520, was introduced in January by Rep. Ken Dunkin (D- Chicago), who then insisted: "This legislation is not laughable. On the surface it's like, 'Oh wow, what is this?' But it's becoming more and more of a common problem with people haplessly crossing an intersection and almost killing themselves."
Under the proposed law, Illinois residents would get slapped with a misdemeanor and a $25 fine if caught using a cell phone or other wireless device while traversing streets.
A misdemeanor and a fine for using your cell phone or texting WHILE WALKING!
Judge rules, Open the Can - UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify
☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard
Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson ruled Monday that testimony from the ex-wife of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen will be admissible.
Previous post: Opening the can of worms
Related coverage, with links
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify
☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard
Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson ruled Monday that testimony from the ex-wife of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen will be admissible.
Previous post: Opening the can of worms
Related coverage, with links
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena - UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with Jane Doe 1 to testify at former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen’s trial.
As a result, the North Coast Rape Crisis Center filed a quash motion on the grounds of doctor-patient confidentiality.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he subpoenaed the counselor for “transactional” reasons and not to hear testimony on whatever counseling took place with Doe 1.
“I’m completely disinterested in counseling,” he said.
When contacted, a representative from the North Coast Rape Crisis Center couldn’t confirm or deny that Doe 1 had any contact with them.
Gallegos used the example of a doctor who walks into a supermarket and sees their patient.
The doctor can testify as to whether they saw the patient in the supermarket in order to establish an alibi, for example, but not to any discussions when in a counseling session, he said.
In legal terms, to quash means to annul or suppress an indictment, a conviction or an order, according to a legal dictionary.
In this case, Gallegos said that the reason to quash the subpoena is for confidentiality reasons....
The quash motion will be heard by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson on July 30.
☛ ER Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena
☛ Links to reports on the Gundersen case
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with Jane Doe 1 to testify at former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen’s trial.
As a result, the North Coast Rape Crisis Center filed a quash motion on the grounds of doctor-patient confidentiality.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he subpoenaed the counselor for “transactional” reasons and not to hear testimony on whatever counseling took place with Doe 1.
“I’m completely disinterested in counseling,” he said.
When contacted, a representative from the North Coast Rape Crisis Center couldn’t confirm or deny that Doe 1 had any contact with them.
Gallegos used the example of a doctor who walks into a supermarket and sees their patient.
The doctor can testify as to whether they saw the patient in the supermarket in order to establish an alibi, for example, but not to any discussions when in a counseling session, he said.
In legal terms, to quash means to annul or suppress an indictment, a conviction or an order, according to a legal dictionary.
In this case, Gallegos said that the reason to quash the subpoena is for confidentiality reasons....
The quash motion will be heard by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson on July 30.
☛ ER Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena
☛ Links to reports on the Gundersen case
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Friday, July 25, 2008
How do you tell who the Local Solutions/Salzman candidate is?
He signs his fundraising pleas "In Solidarity." But he is no Lech Walesa.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How much is 17 grams of meth?
I mean, is that a little or alot? And how much is that worth?
☛ TS McKinleyville man arrested with 17 grams of meth
☛ ER Man busted for meth
So - here's a random sampling of answers
Life Sentence for 0.03 grams of Meth
Will .0056 grams of meth get you "high"?
...According to Wikipedia, "Methamphetamine is soluble in water; injection users usually dose 0.2 g in 3ml of water through a small needle." Addicts who snort meth or ingest it orally use more of the drug per dosage....
How much does meth cost?
...in Texas,
1/4 of gram is $20
1/2 of gram is $40
1 gram is $80
16th (which is a gram and 3/4 of a gram ) 120.00
8 ball which is 3 1/2 grams is $200.
...and the cost - depends. What are you willing to give? Your home? Your family? Your friends? Your health? Your life?
Montana Meth Project
☛ TS McKinleyville man arrested with 17 grams of meth
...A McKinleyville man was arrested Wednesday after sheriff's deputies allegedly found him in possession of more than 17 grams of methamphetamine.
At about 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, a Humboldt County sheriff's deputy conducted a vehicle investigation of a sedan parked at Washington Avenue and Three Cabins Lane in McKinleyville.
As the deputy approached the vehicle a man who had been crouched down next to the passenger door suddenly stood up and started to walk away.
The deputy asked the man, Houston K. Waters, 21, to walk back to the vehicle -- he complied. There were two occupants inside the vehicle. A warrants check revealed that all three individuals were on probation....
☛ ER Man busted for meth
,,,he was allegedly found to have 17.2 grams of meth...
So - here's a random sampling of answers
Life Sentence for 0.03 grams of Meth
Will .0056 grams of meth get you "high"?
...According to Wikipedia, "Methamphetamine is soluble in water; injection users usually dose 0.2 g in 3ml of water through a small needle." Addicts who snort meth or ingest it orally use more of the drug per dosage....
How much does meth cost?
...in Texas,
1/4 of gram is $20
1/2 of gram is $40
1 gram is $80
16th (which is a gram and 3/4 of a gram ) 120.00
8 ball which is 3 1/2 grams is $200.
...and the cost - depends. What are you willing to give? Your home? Your family? Your friends? Your health? Your life?
Montana Meth Project
Blog Talk
Marcy Burstiner is guest hosting Thursday Night Talk tonight on KHSU 90.5 (LIsten Live!) 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the subject will be blogging in the community. Tune in and call in with some thoughts. Her guest will be Carson Park Ranger Joel Mielke.
h/t: Marcy Burstiner (and Thank You)
h/t: Marcy Burstiner (and Thank You)
Crescent City Girl Body Found, Miller arrested w/UPDATES
☛ Google SEARCH
What happened to Michelle?
◼ Miller pleads not guilty in Dickson killing 06/13/2009
◼ Arraignment for Dickson's alleged killer today 06/12/2009
◼ Miller hearing continued to June 03/13/2009
◼ Miller arraigned in Del Norte court 01/28/2009
◼ Josiah Miller returned to California 01/10/2009
◼ Miller faces Jan. 21 deadline for extradition 12/30/2008
◼ Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California 12/28/2008
◼ Hearing for Josiah Miller continued 11/07/2008
◼ Oregon Grand Jury accepts Miller indictment 09/19/2008
◼ Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse 09/16/2008
◼ Miller to be moved by Monday 09/12/2008
◼ Murder suspect accepts extradition to Oregon 09/06/2008
◼ Request for extradition received by governor's staff 09/03/2008
◼ Request for Miller extradition to be sent to Schwarzenegger 08/22/2008
◼ Calls, towers can help pinpoint Dickson's last moves 08/18/2008
◼ Forensic scientists say Dickson case is priority 08/10/2008
☛ The Triplicate Bail set; process to move Miller begins 8/8/08
☛ TS Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect 8/8/08
☛ ER Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect
☛ TS Police: Dickson died of stab wounds 8/6/2008
☛ ER Crescent City woman was fatally stabbed 8/6/08
☛ Press Democrat Murder suspect fights extradition 8/3/08
☛ The Triplicate ‘More time to get more evidence' 8/2/08
☛ ER Miller’s attorney to fight extradition 8/2/08
☛ TS Murder suspect refuses extradition to Oregon8/2/08
☛ SignOnSanDiego Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Contra Costa Times Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ SFGate Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ kolo-tv Murder Suspect Refuses To Be Extradited To Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Oregon Public Broadcasting Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ ER Roommate said Miller acted ‘pretty shady’ 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller faces arraignment for corpse abuse today 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller arraignment moved to Friday 7/31/08
☛ ER Murder extradition hearing continued 7/30/08
☛ TS No plea for Josiah Miller at Tuesday arraignment 7/30/08
☛ TS Dickson case: Victim's, suspect's families wait for answers7/30/08
☛ ER Hearing set today in murder case 7/30/08
☛ TS The monster among us 7/29/08
☛ TS Oregon charges Miller with abuse of corpse 7/29/08
☛ ER Arcata murder suspect may sit in Oregon jail 7/29/08
☛ ER Crescent City murder victim’s cause of death being withheld from public 7/28/08
☛ TS Dickson autopsy results being withheld 7/28/08
TS photo
☛ TS Dickson autopsy key to many questions 7/26/08
☛ ER Questions abound in Crescent City woman’s death 7/26/08
☛ TS A tragic end 7/25/08 A vigil for Michelle
☛ Whereisit? Cachers Make Gruesome Discovery 7/25/08
☛ ER Arcata man arrested after police recover missing woman's body 7/25/08
(emailed photo)
TS photo
☛ TS Updated: Arcata suspect arrested in connection with Dickson killing 7/24/08
TS photo
☛ ER Arcata man arrested in connection to Crescent City woman slaying 7/24/08
☛ KPTV - Portland
☛ On The Record Greta Van Susteren interviewed Del Norte Sheriff's Cmdr. Bill Steven
☛ Examiner.com Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ SF Chronicle Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman
☛ Fort Mill Times Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ TS Sheriff: 'We've located the body'
☛ Triplicate Mom: ‘I've prepared myself for the worst' 7/24/08
☛ TS Officials find trace blood evidence in suspect's truck 7/24/08
☛ Triplicate Blood found in man's truck
☛ Drug Policy Central MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER
☛ Coastal Curry Pilot MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER
☛ ER Arcata man, 27, now considered suspect in Crescent City woman’s disappearance
☛ ER Evidence seized from Arcata man in connection to missing woman include truck, computer
☛ TS Missing woman's vehicle near site of drug deal meeting place 7/23/08
☛ TS Investigators: Missing woman made pot deal night of disappearance 7/22/2008
☛ ER Missing Crescent City woman made pot deal the night she disappeared 7/22/2008
☛ TS Search warrants served in missing woman's case 7/19/2008
OBITUARY - Michelle Ashlee Dickson (1984-2008)
Michelle Ashlee Dickson, 23 years old, died in July 2008.
Michelle was born on July 19, 1984 in Crescent City. She was anticipating completing her AA degree this year while working two waitressing jobs at Ship Ashore and Bistro Gardens. Prior to this, Michelle work-ed at Latitudes in Smith River. Michelle worked with Richard Wills for two years, a year-and-a-half of that time as manager.
Michelle graduated from Paragon High School in January 2002. She was a self motivated learner, completing three years of high school courses in one-and-a-half years, graduating at the age of 16. Michelle enjoyed time at the river, spending time with Matt, her friends and taking her dog to the beach.
She is survived by her mother, Sandy Davis, her step-father, Darrel Davis and her younger sister, Leila Dickson. She is also survived by her grandparents, Barbara and Alfred Coble of Crescent City, Nancy Jacomella of Crescent City, Darrel L. Davis of Crescent City and Bud and Cindy Dickson of Kamiah, Idaho. Her father, Randy Dickson resides in Crescent City. She is also survived by numerous extended family members.
Michelle is also survived by her significant other Matthew Salisbury, who has become a very special member of Michelle's family.
There will be a celebration of Michelle's life on Aug. 9 at Beachfront Park in Crescent City beginning at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers her family is requesting that donations be made in her honor at DENOCOS, 1244 Glenn St., Crescent City, CA, 95531.
A scholarship will be established in Michelle's name at a later date with Del Norte Scholarship Foundation.
The vast array of pro pot sites, though they usually post to any pot related story, almost complete silence on this one.
☛ TS Josiah Miller arraigned on murder charges
Josiah Miller, a 27-year-old Arcata man, was arraigned today on the charges of murder and abuse of a corpse in the state circuit court for Curry County, Ore.. His bail was set at $1,000,000 by Judge Cynthia Beaman
Previous coverage
☛ ER Murder charges filed against Miller
☛ TS Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse
☛ ER Murder charges filed in slaying of Crescent City woman
☛TS Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California
☛TS Josiah Miller returned to California
What happened to Michelle?
◼ Miller pleads not guilty in Dickson killing 06/13/2009
◼ Arraignment for Dickson's alleged killer today 06/12/2009
◼ Miller hearing continued to June 03/13/2009
◼ Miller arraigned in Del Norte court 01/28/2009
◼ Josiah Miller returned to California 01/10/2009
◼ Miller faces Jan. 21 deadline for extradition 12/30/2008
◼ Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California 12/28/2008
◼ Hearing for Josiah Miller continued 11/07/2008
◼ Oregon Grand Jury accepts Miller indictment 09/19/2008
◼ Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse 09/16/2008
◼ Miller to be moved by Monday 09/12/2008
◼ Murder suspect accepts extradition to Oregon 09/06/2008
◼ Request for extradition received by governor's staff 09/03/2008
◼ Request for Miller extradition to be sent to Schwarzenegger 08/22/2008
◼ Calls, towers can help pinpoint Dickson's last moves 08/18/2008
◼ Forensic scientists say Dickson case is priority 08/10/2008
☛ The Triplicate Bail set; process to move Miller begins 8/8/08
☛ TS Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect 8/8/08
☛ ER Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect
☛ TS Police: Dickson died of stab wounds 8/6/2008
☛ ER Crescent City woman was fatally stabbed 8/6/08
☛ Press Democrat Murder suspect fights extradition 8/3/08
☛ The Triplicate ‘More time to get more evidence' 8/2/08
☛ ER Miller’s attorney to fight extradition 8/2/08
☛ TS Murder suspect refuses extradition to Oregon8/2/08
Josiah Miller told a Del Norte County judge Friday that he will not be extradited willingly to Oregon to face charges filed in Curry County for abuse of a corpse -- a felony stemming from his suspected involvement in the death of 23-year-old Crescent City woman Michelle Ashlee Dickson.
After consulting with his counsel, attorney William Cater, Miller opted to fight extradition. According to information from the Del Norte District Attorney's Office, Miller is now scheduled to take part in an identity hearing on Aug. 7, to verify that he is indeed the suspect Curry County attorneys intend to prosecute.
☛ SignOnSanDiego Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Contra Costa Times Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ SFGate Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ kolo-tv Murder Suspect Refuses To Be Extradited To Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Oregon Public Broadcasting Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ ER Roommate said Miller acted ‘pretty shady’ 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller faces arraignment for corpse abuse today 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller arraignment moved to Friday 7/31/08
☛ ER Murder extradition hearing continued 7/30/08
☛ TS No plea for Josiah Miller at Tuesday arraignment 7/30/08
☛ TS Dickson case: Victim's, suspect's families wait for answers7/30/08
☛ ER Hearing set today in murder case 7/30/08
☛ TS The monster among us 7/29/08
☛ TS Oregon charges Miller with abuse of corpse 7/29/08
☛ ER Arcata murder suspect may sit in Oregon jail 7/29/08
☛ ER Crescent City murder victim’s cause of death being withheld from public 7/28/08
☛ TS Dickson autopsy results being withheld 7/28/08
TS photo☛ TS Dickson autopsy key to many questions 7/26/08
☛ ER Questions abound in Crescent City woman’s death 7/26/08
☛ TS A tragic end 7/25/08 A vigil for Michelle
☛ Whereisit? Cachers Make Gruesome Discovery 7/25/08
☛ ER Arcata man arrested after police recover missing woman's body 7/25/08
(emailed photo)
TS photo ☛ TS Updated: Arcata suspect arrested in connection with Dickson killing 7/24/08
Josiah Miller, the 27-year-old Arcata man listed as the only suspect in the recent killing of Michelle Ashlee Dickson, was arrested Thursday by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.
"Just around noon, a detective with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department and a U.S. Marshall detained Mr. Miller at his residence in Arcata at the request of the lead invesigator in the Del Norte Sheriff's Office," said Brenda Godsey, spokeswoman for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.
TS photo☛ ER Arcata man arrested in connection to Crescent City woman slaying 7/24/08
☛ KPTV - Portland
☛ On The Record Greta Van Susteren interviewed Del Norte Sheriff's Cmdr. Bill Steven
☛ Examiner.com Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ SF Chronicle Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman
☛ Fort Mill Times Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ TS Sheriff: 'We've located the body'
The Del Norte County Sheriff's Department said today a body found underneath an Oregon bridge has been positively identified as missing Crescent City woman Michelle Ashlee Dickson.
”We've located the body,” said Del Norte Sheriff's Cmdr. Bill Steven.
A pair of hikers found the body Wednesday. It was unclear whether the body was dumped off the Thomas Creek Bridge, the tallest in Oregon, or placed underneath it. Her body is still being removed this morning, Steven said.
The Oregon State Police are handling the investigation.
☛ Triplicate Mom: ‘I've prepared myself for the worst' 7/24/08
☛ TS Officials find trace blood evidence in suspect's truck 7/24/08
No marijuana was discovered because Miller never brought it home, Steven said. Miller told authorities as he was returning home, he became nervous about having marijuana in his vehicle, and he threw it into the Klamath River, Steven said.☛ ER Arcata man now considered suspect in Crescent City woman’s disappearance 7/24/08
”That's also suspicious, in that why would you take the trouble to arrange a purchase of the marijuana and drive there just to throw it away?” Steven said.
☛ Triplicate Blood found in man's truck
☛ Drug Policy Central MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER
☛ Coastal Curry Pilot MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER
According to a search warrant executed at Miller's residence last week, detectives found some upholstery had been cut out of his truck and that parts of the vehicle had recently been cleaned.
"What we have is the trace evidence that's left behind that's left in the foam," Morris said. "At this point we're disproving (Miller's) story little, by little, by little."
Morris said Miller has told the truth about some of the events that occurred the night Dickson went missing, but in other cases "his timeline is off."
Miller is the last person known to have seen Dickson on the night she went missing. He told authorities he met Dickson at the Crescent Beach picnic area around 10:30 p.m. July 15 to buy about three ounces of marijuana, and then drove back to Arcata after the alleged transaction.
"He said he threw the weed in the river," Morris said, because he was nervous about having it in his truck. "There are two people that say they saw him in Crescent City that night after 10:30. That's what we want to nail down."
Interviews with Miller have not produced the desired results, Morris said.
☛ ER Arcata man, 27, now considered suspect in Crescent City woman’s disappearance
An Arcata man is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Michelle Ashlee Dickson of Crescent City, after trace evidence of blood was found inside his truck.
It’s unknown if the blood belongs to Dickson, as the California Department of Justice lab in Eureka is still processing the evidence, but 27-year-old Josiah M. Miller “is our suspect,” Del Norte County Sheriff’s Commander Bill Steven said.
“If you’ve got a pickup you’re known to take good care of, and all of a sudden you’re cleaning it real hard, both the bed and inside the morning this gal came up missing, to include removing chunks out of the seat, that tells a lot, doesn’t it?”
Miller, who previously lived in Del Norte County and has been living in Arcata, frequently visited the Crescent City area, Del Norte Detective Sgt. Steve Morris said.
He hasn’t been arrested as of Wednesday morning, but detectives found upholstery had been cut from his truck seat and parts of the vehicle had recently been cleaned when a search warrant was served at his home last week. His computer, clothing and truck were seized as evidence.
Miller allegedly met with Dickson the night of July 15 for a pot deal at a beach picnic area just south of Crescent City. She allegedly sold Miller three ounces of marijuana worth about $1,000.
☛ ER Evidence seized from Arcata man in connection to missing woman include truck, computer
Evidence seized following the disappearance of a Crescent City woman suspected to be the victim of foul play include the clothing, computer and truck of an Arcata man who’s been described as a “person of interest.”
☛ TS Missing woman's vehicle near site of drug deal meeting place 7/23/08
Following the investigators' search of the man's Arcata residence, several pieces of evidence were discovered. Authorities continue to await lab testing of that evidence.
Steven said he could not say what evidence was found at the residence, nor reveal the name of the Arcata man, but he said additional information will likely be released later this week.
☛ TS Investigators: Missing woman made pot deal night of disappearance 7/22/2008
Del Norte County Sheriff's Office detectives said Monday that the missing 23-year-old Crescent City woman believed to be the victim of foul play had arranged a pot deal just prior to her disappearance the night of July 15.
☛ ER Missing Crescent City woman made pot deal the night she disappeared 7/22/2008
A search warrant was served Wednesday at the home of the Arcata man Dickson met, Steven said, but he hasn’t been arrested. “When your home is searched and items are taken to the lab for processing, that could change,” he said. “His title could easily change from being a ‘person of interest’ to ‘suspect’ again.”*** ☛ Triplicate ‘Leads are pouring in' 7/19/08
Today (July 19th) is Michelle Ashlee Dickson's 24th birthday and authorities still don't know where she is.☛ ER Del Norte woman remains missing 7/19/2008
☛ TS Search warrants served in missing woman's case 7/19/2008
Authorities searched a home in Arcata and interviewed a missing Crescent City woman's friend as a “person of interest” in the investigation launched after her car was found abandoned and on fire earlier this week, officials said Friday.☛ TS Crescent City woman missing after abandoned vehicle fire 7/17/2008
Foul play is suspected in the disappearance of 23-year-old Michelle Ashlee Dickson, whose car was found around 5:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City.☛ ER Possible murder investigation brings Del Norte police to Humboldt County 7/16/2008
OBITUARY - Michelle Ashlee Dickson (1984-2008)
Michelle Ashlee Dickson, 23 years old, died in July 2008.
Michelle was born on July 19, 1984 in Crescent City. She was anticipating completing her AA degree this year while working two waitressing jobs at Ship Ashore and Bistro Gardens. Prior to this, Michelle work-ed at Latitudes in Smith River. Michelle worked with Richard Wills for two years, a year-and-a-half of that time as manager.
Michelle graduated from Paragon High School in January 2002. She was a self motivated learner, completing three years of high school courses in one-and-a-half years, graduating at the age of 16. Michelle enjoyed time at the river, spending time with Matt, her friends and taking her dog to the beach.
She is survived by her mother, Sandy Davis, her step-father, Darrel Davis and her younger sister, Leila Dickson. She is also survived by her grandparents, Barbara and Alfred Coble of Crescent City, Nancy Jacomella of Crescent City, Darrel L. Davis of Crescent City and Bud and Cindy Dickson of Kamiah, Idaho. Her father, Randy Dickson resides in Crescent City. She is also survived by numerous extended family members.
Michelle is also survived by her significant other Matthew Salisbury, who has become a very special member of Michelle's family.
There will be a celebration of Michelle's life on Aug. 9 at Beachfront Park in Crescent City beginning at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers her family is requesting that donations be made in her honor at DENOCOS, 1244 Glenn St., Crescent City, CA, 95531.
A scholarship will be established in Michelle's name at a later date with Del Norte Scholarship Foundation.
The vast array of pro pot sites, though they usually post to any pot related story, almost complete silence on this one.
☛ TS Josiah Miller arraigned on murder charges
Josiah Miller, a 27-year-old Arcata man, was arraigned today on the charges of murder and abuse of a corpse in the state circuit court for Curry County, Ore.. His bail was set at $1,000,000 by Judge Cynthia Beaman
Previous coverage
☛ ER Murder charges filed against Miller
☛ TS Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse
☛ ER Murder charges filed in slaying of Crescent City woman
☛TS Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California
☛TS Josiah Miller returned to California
Dowdy - Mistrial Declared
☛ TS Dowdy acquitted of murder
Thomas Dowdy Jr. was acquitted of second-degree murder in the Christmas Eve shooting death of David Steed on Thursday, but the court declared a mistrial on the lesser manslaughter charge due to a hung jury.
The foreman told the court the jury was deadlocked 11-1 on the manslaughter charge after voting on the matter four or five times during more than three days of deliberation. Sources told the Times-Standard the 11 jurors voted not guilty on the manslaughter charge, but prosecutor Ben McLaughlin and Dowdy's attorney, Blair Angus, would not comment on which way the vote fell.
McLaughlin did say that the one opposing juror refused to engage in deliberations.
”My understanding is that when they got to the manslaughter, this juror had his or her mind made up and would not deliberate,” McLaughlin said.
☛ ER Dowdy’s future remains unclear after mistrial declared
Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin said a decision will be made next week on how to proceed with the case against Dowdy, who’s accused of shooting and killing David Steed after a confrontation over stolen firewood escalated.
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office has three options — dismiss the case, negotiate a plea deal or proceed with a new manslaughter trial. “A new trial is highly unlikely, but that decision hasn’t been made yet,” McLaughlin said. For now, Dowdy remains in custody at the Humboldt County jail.
☛ TS Jury: Dowdy not guilty of murder
☛ ER Thomas Dowdy Jr. not guilty of first degree murder
☛ ER Mistrial declared in Dowdy manslaughter case
Update: ☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08
☛ TS Dowdy to be released today
Thomas Dowdy Jr. was acquitted of second-degree murder in the Christmas Eve shooting death of David Steed on Thursday, but the court declared a mistrial on the lesser manslaughter charge due to a hung jury.
The foreman told the court the jury was deadlocked 11-1 on the manslaughter charge after voting on the matter four or five times during more than three days of deliberation. Sources told the Times-Standard the 11 jurors voted not guilty on the manslaughter charge, but prosecutor Ben McLaughlin and Dowdy's attorney, Blair Angus, would not comment on which way the vote fell.
McLaughlin did say that the one opposing juror refused to engage in deliberations.
”My understanding is that when they got to the manslaughter, this juror had his or her mind made up and would not deliberate,” McLaughlin said.
☛ ER Dowdy’s future remains unclear after mistrial declared
Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin said a decision will be made next week on how to proceed with the case against Dowdy, who’s accused of shooting and killing David Steed after a confrontation over stolen firewood escalated.
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office has three options — dismiss the case, negotiate a plea deal or proceed with a new manslaughter trial. “A new trial is highly unlikely, but that decision hasn’t been made yet,” McLaughlin said. For now, Dowdy remains in custody at the Humboldt County jail.
☛ TS Jury: Dowdy not guilty of murder
Fortuna resident Thomas Dowdy Jr. was found not guilty of second-degree murder this morning in the Christmas Eve shooting death of David Steed.
The jury was hung 11 to 1 on a charge of manslaughter. It was not clear how the vote was divided.
The jury deliberated for three days before reaching its verdict after 11 a.m.
☛ ER Thomas Dowdy Jr. not guilty of first degree murder
☛ ER Mistrial declared in Dowdy manslaughter case
A Humboldt County Superior Court judge declared a mistrial Thursday in the voluntary manslaughter case against 22-year-old Thomas Dowdy Jr. Before doing so, the jury acquitted Dowdy of the second-degree murder charge. The jury foreman stated the jurors voted at least four to five times on whether to convict Dowdy of voluntary manslaughter, and the vote was consistently 11-1. It's unclear which side was in favor of convicting the Fortuna man.
Dowdy, who remains in the Humboldt County jail, has a new pre-trial scheduled for August 12. Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin said one juror apparently wasn't deliberating and when the voluntary manslaughter charge was discussed, the juror's mind was already made up.
Update: ☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08
Thomas Dowdy Jr. has been released from the Humboldt County jail or will be released later today with time served. He has been in custody since late January for the Christmas eve 2007 murder of Fortuna resident David Steed.
The jury found him not guilty last week of second-degree murder but was deadlocked regarding the voluntary manslaughter charge. The judge declared a mistrial last week because of that deadlock.
The family of Steed was visibly upset in court today.
☛ TS Dowdy to be released today
Thomas Dowdy Jr. will be released from the Humboldt County jail today after entering a plea of no contest to manslaughter at 2 p.m.
For the misdemeanor crime, Dowdy was sentenced to time already served without probation, and is to be discharged after he is processed at the jail, where he serves 190 days since January, following the Christmas Eve 2007 shooting death of Fortuna resident David Steed.
During his trial, Dowdy faced second-degree murder charges after fatally shooting Steed twice -- in the back and elbow.
After two weeks of testimony, the jury found him not guilty of second-degree murder, but deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, 11-1 in favor of Dowdy's innocence.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Opening the can of worms - UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
Related coverage, with links
Update: ☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify 7/29/08
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
If District Attorney Paul Gallegos has his way, David Gundersen's ex-wife will testify when the former Blue Lake police chief stands trial for allegedly raping his current wife with the use of an intoxicant.
Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson is expected to hear arguments Friday on a motion Gallegos filed with the court seeking to admit testimony of alleged sexual offenses against his former wife.
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
Related coverage, with links
Update: ☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify 7/29/08
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Motion of severance granted w/update - UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Former police chief now faces two trials 7/22/08
The Humboldt County Superior Court granted a motion of severance by former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen’s attorney, meaning that all allegations pertaining to the two Jane Does in the case must be tried separately...
On July 15, Clanton argued before Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson that jurors may find it difficult to separate the weaker, more inflammatory allegations that involve Doe 2 from the stronger case that pertains to Doe 1.
“I don’t think any jury can do that,” he said.
He said it would create an undue prejudice that would hurt Gundersen’s chance for a fair trial.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said that day that the defense’s argument was not based on reason, but on emotion.
“There is absolutely no indication that will happen,” he said.
Watson ruled in favor of Clanton...
As potential jurors continue to be individually interviewed, it’s unclear whether this jury being formed will hear the allegations pertaining to Doe 1 or Doe 2 first, Gallegos said.
“Everything has obstacles,” he said. “You have to move forward.”
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
Related coverage, with links
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
Former police chief now faces two trials 7/22/08
The Humboldt County Superior Court granted a motion of severance by former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen’s attorney, meaning that all allegations pertaining to the two Jane Does in the case must be tried separately...
On July 15, Clanton argued before Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson that jurors may find it difficult to separate the weaker, more inflammatory allegations that involve Doe 2 from the stronger case that pertains to Doe 1.
“I don’t think any jury can do that,” he said.
He said it would create an undue prejudice that would hurt Gundersen’s chance for a fair trial.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said that day that the defense’s argument was not based on reason, but on emotion.
“There is absolutely no indication that will happen,” he said.
Watson ruled in favor of Clanton...
As potential jurors continue to be individually interviewed, it’s unclear whether this jury being formed will hear the allegations pertaining to Doe 1 or Doe 2 first, Gallegos said.
“Everything has obstacles,” he said. “You have to move forward.”
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
Related coverage, with links
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
The New Yorker on Pot
DR. KUSH
How medical marijuana is transforming the pot industry
“We have a list of all the pot growers in Humboldt County,” he said, repeating an old Northern joke for my benefit. “It’s called the Yellow Pages.”
h/t: Beowulf
Monday, July 21, 2008
Links to CHERI MOORE - DOUGLAS & ZANOTTI Coverage
***URGENT UPDATE/ALERT! This case was TOSSED by the Judge - never made it to trial,
☛ ER http://eurekareporter.com/article/080826-judge-throws-out-douglas-zanotti-case
Feeney said the indictments the grand jury handed down to Douglas and Zanotti in December 2007 weren’t supported by probable cause. Insufficient evidence regarding the former leaders’ alleged failure to oversee other law enforcement was also presented to the grand jury, Feeney said, and instructions given on “exigent circumstances” were inadequate.
The grand jury should have also been instructed on justifiable homicide by law enforcement officials, Feeney said.***
It's not like every detail of this case hasn't received intense scrutiny. Even Cheri Moore's diaries made the papers. The experts and witnesses testified during a Coroner's Inquest...
☛ April 27, 2006 SCENES FROM A SHOOTING - friends, bystanders, activists, police and the death of Cheri Moore
☛ September 21. 2006 CAUSE OF DEATH - Questions answered and questions raised in the Cheri Lynn Moore inquest
IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH
☛ ER Music, shots, then silence 4/15/2006
☛ ER Investigation launched into police involved shooting 4/15/2006
☛ ER Police respond to fatal shooting of Eureka woman 4/16/2006
☛ TS Eureka shooting tragedy runs deep 04/16/2006
☛ ER In aftermath of shooting, many questions remain 4/17/2006
☛ TS Questions swirl around standoff shooting 04/18/2006
☛ TS Haunted by the past 04/19/2006
☛ ER Group gathers to remember Cheri Moore 4/19/2006
☛ TS Police remain tight-lipped on shooting 04/20/2006
☛ TS Lethal Weapon - Was it “just a flare gun”? 04/21/2006
☛ ER Dispatch logs of fatal shooting made public 4/21/2006
☛ ER Reserve judgment on shooting; question about timing lingers 4/23/2006
☛ TS 'Force options' 04/24/2006
☛ TS Shooting damage 'profound' 04/25/2006
☛ TS City won't hand over 911 tapes 04/26/2006
☛ TS 'Parallel' options 04/28/2006
☛ ER Preliminary results indicate officers followed protocol4/28/2006
☛ TS Shooting: ”Legal and lawful” 04/28/2006
☛ ER Meeting about police review coalition turns to discussions of April 14 shooting 4/28/2006
☛ ER Cheri Moore's son speaks out 4/28/2006
☛ ER Idea of Police Review Coalition discussed with City Council subcommittee 4/29/2006
☛ ER Moore shooting headed for Grand Jury? 5/25/2006
☛ ER Civil rights suit filed in standoff death 6/14/2007
THE INQUEST
☛ ER Police chief said he stands by his officers' actions in shooting 7/21/2006
☛ ER Coroner's inquest into police-involved shooting rescheduled 7/24/2006
☛ ER MOORE INQUEST MAY BE TELEVISED 8/30/2006
☛ ER Inquest should include still photos 8/30/2006
☛ ER Coroner's inquest into death of Cheri Moore will start today 9/12/2006
☛ ERWITNESSES TESTIFY AT INQUEST 9/12/2006
☛ TS Inquest testimony begins today - 11 jurors sworn in for rare court proceeding 09/12/2006
☛ TS Neighbors, friends and SWAT commander testify during inquest's second half 09/12/2006
☛ TS The last inquest - Moore shooting circumstances far more complicated 09/12/2006
☛ TS Witnesses begin testifying in Moore case 09/12/2006
☛ TS Witnesses from the First Day of the Moore Inquest 09/12/2006
☛ TS 'I was scared' - Officers who fired fatal shots testify 09/13/2006
☛ TS Incident commander testifies at coroner's inquest 09/13/2006
☛ TS Witnesses from the Third Day of the Moore Inquest 09/14/2006
☛ ER NINE MORE TAKE THE STAND 9/14/2006
☛ TS Officer, chief take stand in Moore inquest 09/14/2006
☛ ER Final nine testify at coroner's inquest 9/15/2006
☛ TS Jury makes three recommendations after inquest 09/15/2006
And then the tortuous delay fraught with threats - Rumors, Leaks, and the path leading to a Grand Jury Indictment:
☛ ER A grim anniversary passes without resolution 4/13/2007
☛ ER Closure necessary in Cheri Moore shooting 4/13/2007
☛ ER Civil rights suit filed in standoff death 6/14/2007
☛ TS Gallegos: Retrial will 'likely' delay Moore decision 07/13/2007
☛ TS Countdown to a decision 07/23/2007
☛ ER Moore case headed to grand jury? 9/11/2007
☛ ER DA considers grand jury investigation of Cheri Moore's death 10/12/2007
THE INDICTMENTS
☛ TS Police Chief hopes grand jury proceedings are made public 11/08/2007
☛ TS Grand Jury will indict two police commanders, says source (with archived video) 12/05/2007
☛ TS Untested waters: Case against police commanders likely to hinge on 'criminal negligence,' expert says 12/06/2007
☛ TS What is a criminal grand jury?12/06/2007
☛ TS Who owns the 'facts'? 12/11/2007
☛ TS EPD, other law enforcement turn out to support Zanotti, Douglas 12/11/2007
☛ TS Arraignment in Moore case postponed (with video) Dozens show up to support former chief, lieutenant 12/11/2007
☛ TS Moore Case Facts 12/11/2007
☛ TS Gallegos to handle police prosecution 12/13/2007
link
☛ TS Dikeman vs. Gallegos, Round 3? 12/16/2007
☛ TS City could face hefty bill for Douglas' defense 12/18/2007
☛ ER City to assist with costs of former police chief's defense 12/18/2007
☛ TS Ex-chief garners $75K for his defense 12/21/2007
☛ TS State police chiefs association president responds to indictments 12/24/07
☛ TS Gallegos offered immunity for shooters' testimony in Moore case 02/02/2008
☛ ER Grand Jury papers to be unsealed in Moore case 2/20/08
☛ TS 'Right to know': Not just words 2/21/08
THE ARRAIGNMENT
☛ TS Douglas, Zanotti set to be arraigned today in Moore shooting 2/21/08
☛ TS Cheri Lyn Moore case: What the grand jury heard 2/21/08
☛ TS Commanders' arraignment in Moore case continued 2/21/08
☛ ER Arraignment continued second time, charges exposed 2/22/08
☛ TS Judge continues Douglas-Zanotti arraignment 2/22/08
☛ TS Police commanders' defense to file motion for dismissal 2/24/08
☛ ER ‘Fatal funnel’ for law enforcement in Cheri Lyn Moore stand off 2/27/08
☛ ER No charges for Douglas and Zanotti 4/2/08
☛ TS Officers' arraignment postponed once again 4/2/08
☛ TS Douglas, Zanotti enter not guilty pleas update in TS, more tomorrow 4/22/08
☛ TS Commanding officers plead not guilty 4/23/08
☛ ER Officers plead not guilty in Moore death 4/23/08
☛ TS California police lend Douglas a hand 5/8/08
MOTION FOR DISMISSAL
☛ TS Attorneys asks for Douglas-Zanotti case dismissal 6/20/08
☛ TS Motion to dismiss Douglas-Zanotti charges is inching forward 7/11/08
☛ TS Douglas appeals denial of defense coverage 7/18/08
☛ ER Hearing to dismiss case against former EPD leaders scheduled next month 7/18/08
☛ TS Douglas-Zanotti defense: DA misrepresented the law 8/22/08 Oral arguments scheduled to begin Aug. 26.
Day 875 - CASE TOSSED!
☛ TS Douglas-Zanotti case tossed by judge BREAKING NEWS!
☛ ER Douglas/Zanotti case dismissed
☛ ER Judge throws out involuntary manslaughter case
☛ TS Judge tosses Douglas, Zanotti manslaughter charges
☛ ER Judge throws out involuntary manslaughter case
☛ TS Law enforcement responds to dismissal of Douglas-Zanotti case
It drew an outburst of applause in the courtroom. And it's a safe bet that police chiefs around the county, state and nation slept a little easier after Feeney's ruling....
Arcata Police Chief Randy Mendosa said he knows Douglas and Zanotti and that it's been difficult to watch them endure the last nine months.
”I know these guys well enough where I know it's been devastating for them -- living in a small community and hearing comments; having your good reputation smeared before the public,” Mendosa said. “It's terrible. It's not fair and it's not just.”
Mendosa said he was also relieved for himself and for his profession.
”It could easily have been me in there,” Mendosa said. “Being criminally indicted for basically being in charge of a high-risk operation is not something that police chiefs have ever encountered before, anywhere that I can find.”...
LETTERS
ER Ltr Everyone needs to be treated with compassion, respect 4/19/2006
ER Ltr Don't rush to judgment in police shooting 4/19/2006
ER Ltr Humboldt County's dedicated officers deserve better 4/20/2006
ER Ltr Joseph Humble should not have passed judgment 4/20/2006
ER Ltr Writer ashamed of police action in Friday shooting 4/21/2006
ER Ltr Patience, kindness would have worked in police shooting 4/21/2006
ER Ltr Was there quick justice in shooting of Eureka resident? 4/26/2006
ER Ltr Accounting of Cheri Moore killing necessary 5/13/2006
ER Ltr Why we're blessed to have Paul Gallegos
ER Ltr Where's the outrage over this death? 5/31/2006
TS Anti-establishment publicity stunt 12/18/2007
TS Sour grapes on district attorney 12/22/2007
ER Ltr Police officers put their lives on the line for public's safety 12/20/2007
TS Blue lights can show support 12/21/2007
ER Ltr What does the DA expect to gain from police indictments? 12/27/2007
ER Ltr “Dear Chief Garr Nielsen and the EPD,
Note: The Times Standard's Letters to the Editor were not available online until recently. Those letters as well as other coverage in The Arcata Eye and The McKinleyville Press, and The Independent could be accessed through traditional channels in the Library.
The Eureka Reporter's new website meant a major transfer of all articles to new urls. All links should now be updated. If you find one that isn't working please email watchpaul.blogspot@gmail.com, and/or check watchpaulARTICLES. If you have anything you'd like included (like letters to the editor that are not online,) please send via email (link in sidebar).
***
To contribute to city's defense fund for David Douglas: Send checks made out to the City of Eureka, with David Douglas written in the “for” line, to City Hall, 531 K St., Eureka, CA 95502. Councilman Larry Glass said the checks would only be cashed if needed.
Originally posted 12/17/07
***URGENT UPDATE/ALERT! This case was TOSSED by the Judge - never made it to trial,
☛ ER http://eurekareporter.com/article/080826-judge-throws-out-douglas-zanotti-case
Feeney said the indictments the grand jury handed down to Douglas and Zanotti in December 2007 weren’t supported by probable cause. Insufficient evidence regarding the former leaders’ alleged failure to oversee other law enforcement was also presented to the grand jury, Feeney said, and instructions given on “exigent circumstances” were inadequate.
The grand jury should have also been instructed on justifiable homicide by law enforcement officials, Feeney said.***
If I am missing any links - please email them to me - I'll be happy to add them.
☛ ER http://eurekareporter.com/article/080826-judge-throws-out-douglas-zanotti-case
Feeney said the indictments the grand jury handed down to Douglas and Zanotti in December 2007 weren’t supported by probable cause. Insufficient evidence regarding the former leaders’ alleged failure to oversee other law enforcement was also presented to the grand jury, Feeney said, and instructions given on “exigent circumstances” were inadequate.
The grand jury should have also been instructed on justifiable homicide by law enforcement officials, Feeney said.***
It's not like every detail of this case hasn't received intense scrutiny. Even Cheri Moore's diaries made the papers. The experts and witnesses testified during a Coroner's Inquest...
☛ April 27, 2006 SCENES FROM A SHOOTING - friends, bystanders, activists, police and the death of Cheri Moore
☛ September 21. 2006 CAUSE OF DEATH - Questions answered and questions raised in the Cheri Lynn Moore inquest
IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH
☛ ER Music, shots, then silence 4/15/2006
☛ ER Investigation launched into police involved shooting 4/15/2006
☛ ER Police respond to fatal shooting of Eureka woman 4/16/2006
☛ TS Eureka shooting tragedy runs deep 04/16/2006
☛ ER In aftermath of shooting, many questions remain 4/17/2006
☛ TS Questions swirl around standoff shooting 04/18/2006
☛ TS Haunted by the past 04/19/2006
☛ ER Group gathers to remember Cheri Moore 4/19/2006
☛ TS Police remain tight-lipped on shooting 04/20/2006
☛ TS Lethal Weapon - Was it “just a flare gun”? 04/21/2006
☛ ER Dispatch logs of fatal shooting made public 4/21/2006
☛ ER Reserve judgment on shooting; question about timing lingers 4/23/2006
☛ TS 'Force options' 04/24/2006
☛ TS Shooting damage 'profound' 04/25/2006
☛ TS City won't hand over 911 tapes 04/26/2006
☛ TS 'Parallel' options 04/28/2006
☛ ER Preliminary results indicate officers followed protocol4/28/2006
☛ TS Shooting: ”Legal and lawful” 04/28/2006
☛ ER Meeting about police review coalition turns to discussions of April 14 shooting 4/28/2006
☛ ER Cheri Moore's son speaks out 4/28/2006
☛ ER Idea of Police Review Coalition discussed with City Council subcommittee 4/29/2006
☛ ER Moore shooting headed for Grand Jury? 5/25/2006
☛ ER Civil rights suit filed in standoff death 6/14/2007
THE INQUEST
☛ ER Police chief said he stands by his officers' actions in shooting 7/21/2006
☛ ER Coroner's inquest into police-involved shooting rescheduled 7/24/2006
☛ ER MOORE INQUEST MAY BE TELEVISED 8/30/2006
☛ ER Inquest should include still photos 8/30/2006
☛ ER Coroner's inquest into death of Cheri Moore will start today 9/12/2006
☛ ERWITNESSES TESTIFY AT INQUEST 9/12/2006
☛ TS Inquest testimony begins today - 11 jurors sworn in for rare court proceeding 09/12/2006
☛ TS Neighbors, friends and SWAT commander testify during inquest's second half 09/12/2006
☛ TS The last inquest - Moore shooting circumstances far more complicated 09/12/2006
☛ TS Witnesses begin testifying in Moore case 09/12/2006
☛ TS Witnesses from the First Day of the Moore Inquest 09/12/2006
☛ TS 'I was scared' - Officers who fired fatal shots testify 09/13/2006
☛ TS Incident commander testifies at coroner's inquest 09/13/2006
☛ TS Witnesses from the Third Day of the Moore Inquest 09/14/2006
☛ ER NINE MORE TAKE THE STAND 9/14/2006
☛ TS Officer, chief take stand in Moore inquest 09/14/2006
☛ ER Final nine testify at coroner's inquest 9/15/2006
☛ TS Jury makes three recommendations after inquest 09/15/2006
And then the tortuous delay fraught with threats - Rumors, Leaks, and the path leading to a Grand Jury Indictment:
☛ ER A grim anniversary passes without resolution 4/13/2007
☛ ER Closure necessary in Cheri Moore shooting 4/13/2007
☛ ER Civil rights suit filed in standoff death 6/14/2007
☛ TS Gallegos: Retrial will 'likely' delay Moore decision 07/13/2007
☛ TS Countdown to a decision 07/23/2007
☛ ER Moore case headed to grand jury? 9/11/2007
☛ ER DA considers grand jury investigation of Cheri Moore's death 10/12/2007
THE INDICTMENTS
☛ TS Police Chief hopes grand jury proceedings are made public 11/08/2007
☛ TS Grand Jury will indict two police commanders, says source (with archived video) 12/05/2007
☛ TS Untested waters: Case against police commanders likely to hinge on 'criminal negligence,' expert says 12/06/2007
☛ TS What is a criminal grand jury?12/06/2007
☛ TS Who owns the 'facts'? 12/11/2007
☛ TS EPD, other law enforcement turn out to support Zanotti, Douglas 12/11/2007
☛ TS Arraignment in Moore case postponed (with video) Dozens show up to support former chief, lieutenant 12/11/2007
☛ TS Moore Case Facts 12/11/2007
☛ TS Gallegos to handle police prosecution 12/13/2007
link
☛ TS Dikeman vs. Gallegos, Round 3? 12/16/2007
☛ TS City could face hefty bill for Douglas' defense 12/18/2007
☛ ER City to assist with costs of former police chief's defense 12/18/2007
☛ TS Ex-chief garners $75K for his defense 12/21/2007
☛ TS State police chiefs association president responds to indictments 12/24/07
☛ TS Gallegos offered immunity for shooters' testimony in Moore case 02/02/2008
District Attorney Paul Gallegos gave SWAT team members and negotiators “transactional immunity” in order to illicit (sp:elicit) their testimony in the grand jury proceedings that ultimately lead to the indictment of their commanding officers, sources said this week.
☛ ER Grand Jury papers to be unsealed in Moore case 2/20/08
☛ TS 'Right to know': Not just words 2/21/08
THE ARRAIGNMENT
☛ TS Douglas, Zanotti set to be arraigned today in Moore shooting 2/21/08
☛ TS Cheri Lyn Moore case: What the grand jury heard 2/21/08
☛ TS Commanders' arraignment in Moore case continued 2/21/08
☛ ER Arraignment continued second time, charges exposed 2/22/08
☛ TS Judge continues Douglas-Zanotti arraignment 2/22/08
☛ TS Police commanders' defense to file motion for dismissal 2/24/08
☛ ER ‘Fatal funnel’ for law enforcement in Cheri Lyn Moore stand off 2/27/08
☛ ER No charges for Douglas and Zanotti 4/2/08
☛ TS Officers' arraignment postponed once again 4/2/08
In asking for the continuance, Zanotti's attorney, William Rapoport, said the defense has received 15 of the 151 grand jury exhibits....”I have been continuously trying to get from (District Attorney Paul) Gallegos the discovery, which includes but is not limited to the exhibits from the grand jury,” Rapoport told the court, adding that the exhibits were necessary for the defense to prepare its post-arraignment motions.
☛ TS Douglas, Zanotti enter not guilty pleas update in TS, more tomorrow 4/22/08
Former Eureka Police Chief David Douglas and Lt. Tony Zanotti pleaded not guilty this afternoon in Superior Court to charges of involuntary manslaughter.
☛ TS Commanding officers plead not guilty 4/23/08
☛ ER Officers plead not guilty in Moore death 4/23/08
☛ TS California police lend Douglas a hand 5/8/08
MOTION FOR DISMISSAL
☛ TS Attorneys asks for Douglas-Zanotti case dismissal 6/20/08
☛ TS Motion to dismiss Douglas-Zanotti charges is inching forward 7/11/08
☛ TS Douglas appeals denial of defense coverage 7/18/08
☛ ER Hearing to dismiss case against former EPD leaders scheduled next month 7/18/08
☛ TS Douglas-Zanotti defense: DA misrepresented the law 8/22/08 Oral arguments scheduled to begin Aug. 26.
Day 875 - CASE TOSSED!
☛ TS Douglas-Zanotti case tossed by judge BREAKING NEWS!
☛ ER Douglas/Zanotti case dismissed
☛ ER Judge throws out involuntary manslaughter case
☛ TS Judge tosses Douglas, Zanotti manslaughter charges
☛ ER Judge throws out involuntary manslaughter case
☛ TS Law enforcement responds to dismissal of Douglas-Zanotti case
It drew an outburst of applause in the courtroom. And it's a safe bet that police chiefs around the county, state and nation slept a little easier after Feeney's ruling....
Arcata Police Chief Randy Mendosa said he knows Douglas and Zanotti and that it's been difficult to watch them endure the last nine months.
”I know these guys well enough where I know it's been devastating for them -- living in a small community and hearing comments; having your good reputation smeared before the public,” Mendosa said. “It's terrible. It's not fair and it's not just.”
Mendosa said he was also relieved for himself and for his profession.
”It could easily have been me in there,” Mendosa said. “Being criminally indicted for basically being in charge of a high-risk operation is not something that police chiefs have ever encountered before, anywhere that I can find.”...
LETTERS
ER Ltr Everyone needs to be treated with compassion, respect 4/19/2006
ER Ltr Don't rush to judgment in police shooting 4/19/2006
ER Ltr Humboldt County's dedicated officers deserve better 4/20/2006
ER Ltr Joseph Humble should not have passed judgment 4/20/2006
ER Ltr Writer ashamed of police action in Friday shooting 4/21/2006
ER Ltr Patience, kindness would have worked in police shooting 4/21/2006
ER Ltr Was there quick justice in shooting of Eureka resident? 4/26/2006
ER Ltr Accounting of Cheri Moore killing necessary 5/13/2006
ER Ltr Why we're blessed to have Paul Gallegos
ER Ltr Where's the outrage over this death? 5/31/2006
TS Anti-establishment publicity stunt 12/18/2007
TS Sour grapes on district attorney 12/22/2007
ER Ltr Police officers put their lives on the line for public's safety 12/20/2007
TS Blue lights can show support 12/21/2007
ER Ltr What does the DA expect to gain from police indictments? 12/27/2007
ER Ltr “Dear Chief Garr Nielsen and the EPD,
Note: The Times Standard's Letters to the Editor were not available online until recently. Those letters as well as other coverage in The Arcata Eye and The McKinleyville Press, and The Independent could be accessed through traditional channels in the Library.
The Eureka Reporter's new website meant a major transfer of all articles to new urls. All links should now be updated. If you find one that isn't working please email watchpaul.blogspot@gmail.com, and/or check watchpaulARTICLES. If you have anything you'd like included (like letters to the editor that are not online,) please send via email (link in sidebar).
***
To contribute to city's defense fund for David Douglas: Send checks made out to the City of Eureka, with David Douglas written in the “for” line, to City Hall, 531 K St., Eureka, CA 95502. Councilman Larry Glass said the checks would only be cashed if needed.
Originally posted 12/17/07
***URGENT UPDATE/ALERT! This case was TOSSED by the Judge - never made it to trial,
☛ ER http://eurekareporter.com/article/080826-judge-throws-out-douglas-zanotti-case
Feeney said the indictments the grand jury handed down to Douglas and Zanotti in December 2007 weren’t supported by probable cause. Insufficient evidence regarding the former leaders’ alleged failure to oversee other law enforcement was also presented to the grand jury, Feeney said, and instructions given on “exigent circumstances” were inadequate.
The grand jury should have also been instructed on justifiable homicide by law enforcement officials, Feeney said.***
If I am missing any links - please email them to me - I'll be happy to add them.
Links to GUNDERSEN coverage - UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ TS Blue Lake police chief arrested for alleged rape 2/9/08
☛ ER Blue Lake Police Chief arrested on suspicion of rape 2/9/08
☛ TS DA: Allegations stem back a couple years, may have been continual occurrence 2/10/08
☛ ER Blue Lake police chief accused of multiple assaults 2/11/08
☛ TS News spreads quickly in sleepy Blue Lake
☛ KMUD Daniel Mintz interview with Gallegos. Click on KMUD Local News, 6:00 pm edition, Monday, February 11, 2008 6:00 pm
☛ TS No charging decision made in Gundersen case, says DA 2/12/08
☛ TS Attorney: Gundersen claims 'false'
☛ TS Gallegos sticks to his guns regarding investigation into Blue Lake police chief
☛ ER Defense attorney announced for Blue Lake Police Chief 2/13/08
☛ ER Blue Lake residents speak out against police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS Gallegos sticks to his guns regarding investigation into Blue Lake police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS In tense meeting, council puts off action on jailed police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen hit with 12 counts of rape
☛ TS Gundersen pleads not guilty to 12 rape charges 2/14/08
☛ TS Town's council left out of loop 2/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen custody battle goes back 10 years 2/14/08
☛ ER Police Chief denied release from jail — $500,000 bail stands 2/15/08
☛ TS Judge denies police chief's release 2/15/08
WEEK TWO
☛ ER Gundersen: No stranger to bumpy roads 2/16/08
☛ MP Rape Case Proceeds Against Blue Lake Police Chief 2/19/08
AND MORE
☛ TS Gundersen faces additional charges. 2/27/08 (link is dead, story was updated)
☛ ER Blue Lake explores police options 2/27/08
☛ ER Four new charges against Gundersen 2/28/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces new charges of kidnapping, possessing a machine gun 2/28/08
☛ TS Blue Lake changed policy to allow Gundersen, wife to work together 2/28/08
☛ ER Gundersen’s attorney: Gallegos to face difficulty upholding burden of proof2/29/08
☛ TS Court documents shed light on Gundersen case 2/29/08
☛ TS Gundersen's lawyer: A 'witch hunt' 2/29/08
☛ ER Judge more than doubles Gundersen’s bail to $1,250,000 3/1/08
☛ TS Judge raises Gundersen's bail to $1.25 million 3/1/08
☛ TS Gundersen, alleged second victim were living together, report says3/4/08
☛ TS Investigation report: Gundersen's ex-wife also alleges drugging, rape 3/4/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's gun arsenal called shocking 3/5/08
☛ TS Feds eye firearms in Gundersen case (w/ video) 3/07/08
☛ TS Expert: Rape victims can be forced to take witness stand 3/10/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's police chief quandary 3/13/08
☛ ER DA mistake violates victims’ rights 3/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen hearing pushed to April 3/14/08
☛ TS An evolution of law: Spousal rape recently prosecutable 3/23/08
☛ TS Blue Lake to set public meeting date to discuss police issues 4/08/08
☛ TS Blue Lake ends Gundersen's employment 4/10/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife gets immunity 4/11/08
☛ TS Gundersen preliminary hearing continued 4/12/08
☛; ER Gundersen hearing moved ahead for third time 4/12/08
☛; TS Blue Lake's remaining officers placed on leave 4/15/08
☛ TS BLPD evidence storage facility burgled 4/15/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's city council: irrelevant 4/19/08
THE HEARING
☛ TS Gundersen alleged rape victim testifies in hearing 4/21/08
☛; ER First Witness Testifies at Gundersen's hearing 4/22/08
☛ ER Log of the Testimony, Gundersen's hearing 4/22/08
☛ TS 'Jane Doe 2' tells court of rape by Blue Lake chief 4/22/08
☛ TS EPD reportedly didn't follow up on 1999 rape report 4/22/08
☛ ER Both “Jane Does” testify, immunity deals criticized 4/23/08
☛; TS Defense questions alleged rape victim 4/23/08
☛; ER Jane Doe “felt coerced” into making statements 4/24/08
☛ ER Gundersen's hearing transcripts 4/24/08
☛ TS Key witness in Gundersen case says testimony coerced 4/24/08
☛ TS Experts: Little impact from coercion charges in Gundersen case 4/24/08
☛ ER Doe 1: ‘I don’t think I would have ever come forward’ 4/24/08
☛ TS Police chief's wife feared he'd hurt her 4/25/08
☛ TS DA investigator believes EPD didn't follow up 1999 rape claim 4/25/08
☛ TS Gundersen held to stand trial 4/30/08
☛ ER Gundersen to answer to 19 charges 4/30/08
☛ TS Blue Lake police chief held for trial 5/1/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces 14 new counts 5/14/08
☛; TS Court dismisses civil action against Gundersen 5/27/08
☛ ER Gundersen to go to trial in July
☛ LA Times Police chief’s arrest jolts town 6/4/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial pushed back to July 6/20/08
LEADUP TO THE TRIAL
☛; TS Gundersen attorney wants change of venue 7/2/08
☛ TS Gundersen's attorney seeks to dismiss charges 7/3/08
☛ TS Judge hears motion to dismiss Gundersen charges 7/10/8
☛; ER Judge to consider change of venue for Gundersen trial 7/10/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial jury selection slated to begin 7/14/08
☛; ER Two charges against Gundersen dismissed 7/15/08
☛ TS Judge dismisses three charges facing Gundersen 7/15/08
☛ TS Gundersen turns down plea deal 7/16/08
☛ ER Juror questionnaire ready as selection process begins 7/16/08
☛ TS Jury selection underway in Gundersen case 7/17/08
☛ ER Former police chief now faces two trials 7/22/08
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
☛ ER Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena 7/25/08
☛ TS Gundersen case jury selection continues 7/28/08
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify 7/29/08
☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard 7/29/08
THE EXPLOSION: JANE DOE #1 SPEAKS OUT
☛ ER Doe 1 speaks out, files complaint 7/31/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife alleges misconductby law enforcement 7/31/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife says case causing financial, emotional turmoil
THE TRIAL
☛ TS Gundersen trial to begin Monday
☛ ER Gundersen trial ready to begin Monday
DAY ONE:
☛ TS Gundersen trial scheduled to begin8/11/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial underway8/12/08
☛ ER Gundersen trial begins 8/12/08
DAY TWO:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife held for her safety, investigators testify
☛ ER Day 2 of Gundersen trial
DAY THREE:
☛ TS Gundersen jury sees interview video 8/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife takes the stand, says she lied to investigators 8/13/08
☛ TS Experts say victims often recant out of fear, love 8/13/08
☛ ER Wife's testimony conflicts with video 8/13/08
DAY FOUR:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife re-takes the stand 8/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife says she lied to investigators, on stand at prelim 8/14/08
☛ ER DA grills alleged victim on stand 8/14/08
DAY FIVE:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife: I didn't think he'd be arrested 8/15/08 (note: the first TS link each day may be dead as they are breaking news posts that later get dropped as the full story is posted the next morning.)
☛ TS Gundersen's wife again denies rape 8/15/08
☛ ER Alleged victim talks about emotional state 8/15/08
Gallegos is gone for a week. Trial is on hold.
DAY SIX:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife spends day 4 on stand 8/26/08
☛ ER Gundersen's wife finishes testimony 8/26/08
DAY SEVEN:
☛ TS Attorney: Gundersen's wife feared she'd be killed for testimony 8/27/08
☛ ER Gundersen’s ex-wife takes stand
DAY EIGHT:
☛ TS Domestic violence expert witness to testify
☛ ER Domestic violence expert to testify
DAY NINE:
☛ TS Expert: Domestic violence is about power, control
☛ ER With heavy heart, Seal’s friend speaks of rape allegations she heard
DAY TEN:
☛ ER Phone calls detail wife’s suspicions, hesitation to talk about alleged sex crimes 8/30/08
☛ TS A question of consent 8/30/08
DAY ELEVEN:
☛ TS Tapes reveal Gundersen's wife's hesitance
In taped conversations with former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen's wife, district attorney investigators caution her about talking with her husband's attorney and expressed concern that she may be lulled into being a witness friendly to the defense in the spousal rape case....
☛ ER One shot at conviction
DAY TWELVE:
☛ TS Guns take center stage in Gundersen case 9/4/08
☛ ER City manager left police decisions up to Gundersen 9/4/08
DAY THIRTEEN:
☛ ER Prosecution rests in Gundersen trial 9/5//08
☛ ER Prosecution rests in Gundersen trial 9/5/08
DAY FOURTEEN:
☛ ER Gundersen defense starts; Seal on stand again 9/8/08
DAY FIFTEEN:
☛ ER Former co-workers blast Seal’s character 9/9/08
☛ TS Defense witnesses question Gundersen's wife's honesty 9/9.08
DAY SIXTEEN:
☛ TS Defense rests in Gundersen case
The defense rested today in the rape trial of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen, clearing the way for jury instructions and closing arguments to begin Monday.
☛ TS Defense rests in Gundersen case 9/11/08
☛ ER FBI expert: submachine gun use by city police not uncommon 9/11/08
☛ TS Blue Lake begins plans to clean up evidence locker 9/11/08
DAY SEVENTEEN:
☛ TS AG: No conflict of interest in Gundersen case. 9/12/08
CLOSING ARGUMENTS:
☛ TS Closing arguments expected to begin today in Gundersen c 9/15/08
☛ TS Gallegos delivers closing argument
☛ ER Prosecution issues closing arguments in former police chief’s trial 9/16/08
☛ TS Gundersen case in jury's hands 9/16/08
☛ ER Spousal rape case goes to jury 9/16/08
☛ TS Jury will read Gundersen verdict Wednesday 9/23/08
☛ TS Gundersen found not guilty of spousal rape 9/24/08
☛ ER Gundersen found guilty on weapons charges but not on rape charges 9/24/08
☛ TS Jury in Gundersen case sent back for further deliberation
☛ TS Gundersen faces prison sentence for firearms
☛ ER Maximum sentence of Gundersen could be 3 years, 8 months
The Times-Standard has made video of today's reading of the Gundersen verdict available online.
☛ TS link
The Journal has posted ☛ an audio report
☛ TS Gundersen's battery convictions may come under fire
☛ TS No longer the man in blue A TS editorial
☛ TS
Judgment: Jury acquits Gundersen on rape charges, convicts on battery and guns
☛ ER Gundersen Trial Concludes
☛ ER Gundersen verdict closes a chapter
☛ ER Blue Lake looks back, moves forward
☛ ER A timeline of the David Gundersen case
☛ ER Break it down: The various verdicts of David Gundersen
☛ TS Protective order revoked in Gundersen case
☛ TS Bail lowered from $1.25 million to $50,000 at a hearing this afternoon.
☛ ER Gundersen to be released from jail tonight
☛ ER Gundersen a no-show at hearing 10/22/08
☛ TS Recommended Gundersen charges stem back to old investigations 11/15/08
☛ TS Trinidad PD recommends theft charges against Gundersen 11/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen files motion to toss convictions 11/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces new charge 11/21/08
☛ TS Gundersen given probation for firearms convictions 11.22.08
”My instructions are that the people don't intend to proceed with those counts, so I request that they be dismissed in the interest of justice,” Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat told the court. (Gallegos did not appear)
☛ TS Gundersen held to answer to theft charge
***
☛ riodelltimes People vs. David Gundersen Part II 3/14/09
☛ TS Gundersen pleads not guilty 3/14/09
***
BLOGS:
☛ Heraldo - Blue Lake Police Chief Arrested for Rape
☛ Mirror - Police chief denies spousal rape accusation, says two were never married 5/10/08
☛ The Wasp - Gallegos the Sneak 5/13/08
☛ The Wasp = Correction/Update
☛ Mirror - Police chief pleads not guilty to spousal rape, requests Valentine’s Day conjugal with wife 5/14/08
☛ The Wasp - Gold stars for Thad and John...but something's amiss
☛ Fred: What???
☛ Fred: Prosecutions
☛ SoHum Parlance - Blue Lake police chief denied OR
☛ BEHIND THE BLUE WALL blog has a post on the Gundersen matter.
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake slips motto contest into city council agenda 3/5/08
☛ Mirror - Gallegos hires Mandrake the Magician to erase memories of alleged rape victims’ names 3/18/08
☛ Mirror - At this point, we would definitely consider a name change 3/26/08
☛ Blue Lake cans Chief Gundersen 4/9/08
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake City Council shows some sack 4/10/08
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake’s entire police force now on paid administrative leave 4/15/08
☛ Mirror - Gundersen got way more action than previously believed 5/13/08
☛ Mirror - Confirmed: Gundersen attorney desperately seeking venue change 7/7/08
☛ Mirror - And now a few words from the Too Goddamn Much Information department
The Mirror Gallegos found guilty of wankering another big case
Heraldo And the verdict is...
BACKGROUND/PAST HISTORY
☛; ER Gundersen: No stranger to bumpy roads The story of Gundersen's previous arrest and its outcome.
☛ Legal Defense Fund http://www.porac.org/ldf/articles/february%201%201998.html
Adelanto Showdown: Officers vs Council February 1998
☛ From the Lunesta site Opening paragraph:
(note: the first TS link each day may be dead as they are breaking news posts that later get dropped as the full story is posted the next morning.)
(NOTE: The Eureka Reporter ceased publication on Nov. 8th, 2008. At this time, all online archives are gone, thus all links are dead. Whether they will be restored is unknown. If anyone is researching this topic, there should be archived copies of the actual papers at the Humboldt County Library. The loss of these archives is a tragedy.)
First posted 2/16/08 Updated on an ongoing basis
UPDATE:
◼ Grand theft charge dismissed against former Blue Lake police chief
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
****
☛ TS Blue Lake police chief arrested for alleged rape 2/9/08
☛ ER Blue Lake Police Chief arrested on suspicion of rape 2/9/08
☛ TS DA: Allegations stem back a couple years, may have been continual occurrence 2/10/08
☛ ER Blue Lake police chief accused of multiple assaults 2/11/08
☛ TS News spreads quickly in sleepy Blue Lake
☛ KMUD Daniel Mintz interview with Gallegos. Click on KMUD Local News, 6:00 pm edition, Monday, February 11, 2008 6:00 pm
☛ TS No charging decision made in Gundersen case, says DA 2/12/08
☛ TS Attorney: Gundersen claims 'false'
☛ TS Gallegos sticks to his guns regarding investigation into Blue Lake police chief
☛ ER Defense attorney announced for Blue Lake Police Chief 2/13/08
☛ ER Blue Lake residents speak out against police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS Gallegos sticks to his guns regarding investigation into Blue Lake police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS In tense meeting, council puts off action on jailed police chief 2/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen hit with 12 counts of rape
☛ TS Gundersen pleads not guilty to 12 rape charges 2/14/08
☛ TS Town's council left out of loop 2/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen custody battle goes back 10 years 2/14/08
Gundersen's ex-wife, who works for the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office as a legal office assistant, is represented by Arcata attorney Joan Gallegos, the wife of Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. Attorney Christopher Metzger represents Gundersen in that matter.
Paul Gallegos said Wednesday he does not think his wife's position as Gundersen's ex-wife's attorney will have any bearing on his decision whether to personally handle Gundersen's prosecution.
☛ ER Police Chief denied release from jail — $500,000 bail stands 2/15/08
☛ TS Judge denies police chief's release 2/15/08
WEEK TWO
☛ ER Gundersen: No stranger to bumpy roads 2/16/08
☛ MP Rape Case Proceeds Against Blue Lake Police Chief 2/19/08
AND MORE
☛ TS Gundersen faces additional charges. 2/27/08 (link is dead, story was updated)
☛ ER Blue Lake explores police options 2/27/08
☛ ER Four new charges against Gundersen 2/28/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces new charges of kidnapping, possessing a machine gun 2/28/08
☛ TS Blue Lake changed policy to allow Gundersen, wife to work together 2/28/08
☛ ER Gundersen’s attorney: Gallegos to face difficulty upholding burden of proof2/29/08
☛ TS Court documents shed light on Gundersen case 2/29/08
☛ TS Gundersen's lawyer: A 'witch hunt' 2/29/08
☛ ER Judge more than doubles Gundersen’s bail to $1,250,000 3/1/08
☛ TS Judge raises Gundersen's bail to $1.25 million 3/1/08
☛ TS Gundersen, alleged second victim were living together, report says3/4/08
☛ TS Investigation report: Gundersen's ex-wife also alleges drugging, rape 3/4/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's gun arsenal called shocking 3/5/08
☛ TS Feds eye firearms in Gundersen case (w/ video) 3/07/08
Both state and federal law are fairly clear about possessing a submachine gun or a pistol with a silencer: It's illegal in California, and illegal in the United States without a special permit from the ATF. Under California law, the penalty for possession of a machine gun is an unspecified prison term, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. For possession of a silencer it's the same.
But state law allows a law enforcement agency to buy machine guns, and for officers to have them and silencers -- as long as they use them in an official capacity and within the scope of their duties. In fact, there is no limit on the number of submachine guns an agency can have, said California Department of Justice spokesman Abraham Arredondo.
The Use of Firearms section of the Blue Lake Police Department Manual does not make any reference to submachine guns or silencers
☛ TS Expert: Rape victims can be forced to take witness stand 3/10/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's police chief quandary 3/13/08
☛ ER DA mistake violates victims’ rights 3/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen hearing pushed to April 3/14/08
☛ TS An evolution of law: Spousal rape recently prosecutable 3/23/08
☛ TS Blue Lake to set public meeting date to discuss police issues 4/08/08
☛ TS Blue Lake ends Gundersen's employment 4/10/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife gets immunity 4/11/08
☛ TS Gundersen preliminary hearing continued 4/12/08
☛; ER Gundersen hearing moved ahead for third time 4/12/08
☛; TS Blue Lake's remaining officers placed on leave 4/15/08
☛ TS BLPD evidence storage facility burgled 4/15/08
☛ TS Blue Lake's city council: irrelevant 4/19/08
After getting the go-ahead from its self-insurance pool, the Blue Lake City Council has decided to terminate Police Chief Dave Gundersen as of May 5. This decision comes two months after Gundersen was arrested on 19 felony charges.
This implosion of the Blue Lake Police Department has its chief charged with raping his co-habitant, the department's second-in-command. She's been on administrative leave with pay for months. Two other officers and a clerical worker are also drawing full pay for sitting idle in City Hall while the sheriff is being paid to patrol the streets. The general fund is hemorrhaging red ink. Citizens are agitated and activated. Media are covering council meetings. Council members face hard decisions.
THE HEARING
☛ TS Gundersen alleged rape victim testifies in hearing 4/21/08
☛; ER First Witness Testifies at Gundersen's hearing 4/22/08
☛ ER Log of the Testimony, Gundersen's hearing 4/22/08
☛ TS 'Jane Doe 2' tells court of rape by Blue Lake chief 4/22/08
☛ TS EPD reportedly didn't follow up on 1999 rape report 4/22/08
☛ ER Both “Jane Does” testify, immunity deals criticized 4/23/08
☛; TS Defense questions alleged rape victim 4/23/08
☛; ER Jane Doe “felt coerced” into making statements 4/24/08
☛ ER Gundersen's hearing transcripts 4/24/08
☛ TS Key witness in Gundersen case says testimony coerced 4/24/08
☛ TS Experts: Little impact from coercion charges in Gundersen case 4/24/08
☛ ER Doe 1: ‘I don’t think I would have ever come forward’ 4/24/08
☛ TS Police chief's wife feared he'd hurt her 4/25/08
☛ TS DA investigator believes EPD didn't follow up 1999 rape claim 4/25/08
☛ TS Gundersen held to stand trial 4/30/08
☛ ER Gundersen to answer to 19 charges 4/30/08
☛ TS Blue Lake police chief held for trial 5/1/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces 14 new counts 5/14/08
☛; TS Court dismisses civil action against Gundersen 5/27/08
☛ ER Gundersen to go to trial in July
☛ LA Times Police chief’s arrest jolts town 6/4/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial pushed back to July 6/20/08
LEADUP TO THE TRIAL
☛; TS Gundersen attorney wants change of venue 7/2/08
☛ TS Gundersen's attorney seeks to dismiss charges 7/3/08
☛ TS Judge hears motion to dismiss Gundersen charges 7/10/8
☛; ER Judge to consider change of venue for Gundersen trial 7/10/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial jury selection slated to begin 7/14/08
☛; ER Two charges against Gundersen dismissed 7/15/08
☛ TS Judge dismisses three charges facing Gundersen 7/15/08
☛ TS Gundersen turns down plea deal 7/16/08
31 counts, including 24 charges of spousal rape with the use of an intoxicant, forcible rape of a second victim with a firearm enhancement, attempting to dissuade a witness, violating a court order and possessing a submachine gun and a pistol with an attached silencer and reduces it to one count of spousal rape and another of forcibly raping a second victim.
The TS reports that Gundersen, who is facing 28 felony charges, turned down a plea deal that could have landed him in prison for anywhere from nine to 26 years, attorneys said in court Tuesday.
”We rejected it in its entirety,” Gundersen's attorney Russell Clanton said of the deal, in which Gundersen would have pleaded guilty to one count of spousal rape and another of forcibly raping a second victim. “Our position is that the defendant has no criminal liability.”
☛ ER Juror questionnaire ready as selection process begins 7/16/08
☛ TS Jury selection underway in Gundersen case 7/17/08
☛ ER Former police chief now faces two trials 7/22/08
☛ TS Gallegos asking for Gundersen's ex-wife to take stand 7/23/08
☛ ER Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena 7/25/08
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with Jane Doe 1 to testify at former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen’s trial.
As a result, the North Coast Rape Crisis Center filed a quash motion on the grounds of doctor-patient confidentiality.
☛ TS Gundersen case jury selection continues 7/28/08
A motion for a change of venue, filed by Gundersen's attorney Russell Clanton, is still under submission with Watson, pending jury selection.
”I think the media coverage has affected the jury pool to some degree, but it's unclear to what degree,” Clanton said last week. “We're still going through the process.”
District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he doesn't think media coverage has had that big an effect on the jury pool, but conceded it will be up to the judge to determine if an impartial jury can be seated.
☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify 7/29/08
☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard 7/29/08
THE EXPLOSION: JANE DOE #1 SPEAKS OUT
☛ ER Doe 1 speaks out, files complaint 7/31/08
“I believe this was a conspiracy between (Paul Gallegos), his wife and (Gundersen’s ex-wife) in an attempt for (Gundersen’s ex-wife) to gain full custody of the kids,” she wrote. “Her plan worked.”...
☛ TS Gundersen's wife alleges misconductby law enforcement 7/31/08
In a letter sent to a variety of agencies Wednesday, former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen's wife is accusing the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department of civil rights violations, police coercion, false imprisonment and conspiracy...
☛ TS Gundersen's wife says case causing financial, emotional turmoil
David Gundersen's wife said she feels like a victim, just not in the way most people think.
THE TRIAL
☛ TS Gundersen trial to begin Monday
☛ ER Gundersen trial ready to begin Monday
DAY ONE:
☛ TS Gundersen trial scheduled to begin8/11/08
☛ TS Gundersen trial underway8/12/08
The trial of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen got underway this morning with opening statements...
District Attorney Paul Gallegos laid his framework for the case, saying at its center, it's about the abuse of power.
During his opening statement, Gundersen's attorney Russell Clanton argued that the case has its beginnings in the Gundersen family court case and is part of a plot carried out by his client's ex-wife....
...During cross examination, (Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Lt. Dave) Morey testified that Gundersen's ex-wife and Seal planned to have the ex-wife hold onto the computer hard drive to turn over to her divorce attorney, Gallegos' wife Joan Gallegos, for possible future use. Morey denied that he had any plan for the photos.
”I'm not going to admit to that plan because it's not my plan,” Morey said. “That's the plan (they) told me about.”
Morey testified that he did not feel that he or other investigators had coerced or brow-beaten Seal into making statements of any kind....
...As to the weapons Gundersen is charged with possessing, Gallegos told the jury evidence will show they weren't purchased by the city of Blue Lake, that they didn't appear on any of the police department's weapons inventory lists and that their acquisition was not authorized by Blue Lake city managers.
Clanton countered that the weapons were obtained through a reputable dealer -- Southern California's Cinema Weaponry -- that they were registered by the manufacturer and that former Blue Lake City Manager Wiley Buck knew of their existence. Further, Clanton argued it is prudent for the police chief of a small town with a school and a casino to possess such weapons....
☛ ER Gundersen trial begins 8/12/08
DAY TWO:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife held for her safety, investigators testify
In his second day on the stand, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Detective Troy Garey testified he believed Seal was afraid of Gundersen based on his hour-long interview with her on the morning of Feb. 8. He also testified that Gundersen repeatedly called Seal during the interview, and investigators had reason to fear for Seal's safety if she left the premises.
District Attorney's Office Chief Investigator Mike Hislop also testified he believed Seal may have been in danger if she left the main station and that law enforcement consequently did not allow her to leave until after Gundersen's arrest, which occurred at about 6 p.m....
Garey went on to testify that he believed Seal was in an emotionally and mentally fragile state on the day in question and he took that into account in the way he dealt with her during the interview.
”She was fragile,” he said. “It's like handling an egg, you don't want to do anything to push people over the top.”
Garey said it was “somewhat surprising” to find later that day that Seal refused a Sexual Assault Response Team exam at the hospital and was saying she now felt the sex she had told investigators was nonconsensual was consensual and did not constitute rape. Garey testified Seal's changing story was in line with what he had been trained to expect in sexual assault cases.
☛ ER Day 2 of Gundersen trial
When he agreed to the contact, Gundersen’s attorney, Russell Clanton, who read from a transcript, said Gundersen asked Seal, “Why did you do this?”
“They totally bullied me, Dave,” Seal said.
“What do you mean they bullied you?” he said.
“I’m dropping all the charges on Monday,” she said. “I want to spend the $50,000 to get you out.”
The communications between Seal and Gundersen after his arrest are the source of two charges against him, one for violating an emergency protective order and another for trying to dissuade a witness.
DAY THREE:
☛ TS Gundersen jury sees interview video 8/13/08
The wife of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen took the stand this morning in her husband's trial on charges of spousal rape, testifying that Gundersen never had sex with her against her will and that she lied to investigators....
...After Seal testified that Gundersen had never engaged in nonconsensual sex with her and that she had been “sarcastic” and made untrue statements to investigators on the day of her husband's arrest, District Attorney Paul Gallegos moved to show the jury a video recording of Seal's interview with investigators.
After Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson granted the request, the jury was shown the beginning portion of the hour-and-a-half-long interview. In the portion shown to the jury, Seal makes repeated references to Gundersen having raped her, expresses fear for her safety and says that Gundersen threatened to kill her.
The jury is expected to view the remainder of the video when the trial resumes tomorrow before Seal re-takes the stand....
☛ TS Gundersen's wife takes the stand, says she lied to investigators 8/13/08
☛ TS Experts say victims often recant out of fear, love 8/13/08
☛ ER Wife's testimony conflicts with video 8/13/08
DAY FOUR:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife re-takes the stand 8/14/08
☛ TS Gundersen's wife says she lied to investigators, on stand at prelim 8/14/08
☛ ER DA grills alleged victim on stand 8/14/08
DAY FIVE:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife: I didn't think he'd be arrested 8/15/08 (note: the first TS link each day may be dead as they are breaking news posts that later get dropped as the full story is posted the next morning.)
☛ TS Gundersen's wife again denies rape 8/15/08
☛ ER Alleged victim talks about emotional state 8/15/08
Gallegos is gone for a week. Trial is on hold.
DAY SIX:
☛ TS Gundersen's wife spends day 4 on stand 8/26/08
☛ ER Gundersen's wife finishes testimony 8/26/08
DAY SEVEN:
☛ TS Attorney: Gundersen's wife feared she'd be killed for testimony 8/27/08
☛ ER Gundersen’s ex-wife takes stand
DAY EIGHT:
☛ TS Domestic violence expert witness to testify
☛ ER Domestic violence expert to testify
DAY NINE:
☛ TS Expert: Domestic violence is about power, control
☛ ER With heavy heart, Seal’s friend speaks of rape allegations she heard
DAY TEN:
☛ ER Phone calls detail wife’s suspicions, hesitation to talk about alleged sex crimes 8/30/08
☛ TS A question of consent 8/30/08
DAY ELEVEN:
☛ TS Tapes reveal Gundersen's wife's hesitance
In taped conversations with former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen's wife, district attorney investigators caution her about talking with her husband's attorney and expressed concern that she may be lulled into being a witness friendly to the defense in the spousal rape case....
☛ ER One shot at conviction
DAY TWELVE:
☛ TS Guns take center stage in Gundersen case 9/4/08
☛ ER City manager left police decisions up to Gundersen 9/4/08
DAY THIRTEEN:
☛ ER Prosecution rests in Gundersen trial 9/5//08
☛ ER Prosecution rests in Gundersen trial 9/5/08
DAY FOURTEEN:
☛ ER Gundersen defense starts; Seal on stand again 9/8/08
DAY FIFTEEN:
☛ ER Former co-workers blast Seal’s character 9/9/08
☛ TS Defense witnesses question Gundersen's wife's honesty 9/9.08
DAY SIXTEEN:
☛ TS Defense rests in Gundersen case
The defense rested today in the rape trial of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen, clearing the way for jury instructions and closing arguments to begin Monday.
☛ TS Defense rests in Gundersen case 9/11/08
☛ ER FBI expert: submachine gun use by city police not uncommon 9/11/08
☛ TS Blue Lake begins plans to clean up evidence locker 9/11/08
DAY SEVENTEEN:
☛ TS AG: No conflict of interest in Gundersen case. 9/12/08
CLOSING ARGUMENTS:
☛ TS Closing arguments expected to begin today in Gundersen c 9/15/08
☛ TS Gallegos delivers closing argument
☛ ER Prosecution issues closing arguments in former police chief’s trial 9/16/08
Gallegos said that in all the contacts Gundersen had with Seal after being arrested, he never refuted the charges against him...☛ TS Gundersen case goes to the jury 9/16/08
☛ TS Gundersen case in jury's hands 9/16/08
☛ ER Spousal rape case goes to jury 9/16/08
☛ TS Jury will read Gundersen verdict Wednesday 9/23/08
☛ TS Gundersen found not guilty of spousal rape 9/24/08
☛ ER Gundersen found guilty on weapons charges but not on rape charges 9/24/08
He was found not guilty of 24 charges of spousal rape with an intoxicant.☛ ER Jury back to Deliberation
For counts 1 - 11, he was found guilty of battery, a lesser charge than spousal rape with an intoxicant.
He was found guilty of unlawful possession of a machine gun and a silencer. He was also found guilty of violating an emergency protective order.
He was found not guilty of attempting to dissuade a witness.
☛ TS Jury in Gundersen case sent back for further deliberation
☛ TS Gundersen faces prison sentence for firearms
☛ ER Maximum sentence of Gundersen could be 3 years, 8 months
The Times-Standard has made video of today's reading of the Gundersen verdict available online.
☛ TS link
The Journal has posted ☛ an audio report
☛ TS Gundersen's battery convictions may come under fire
☛ TS No longer the man in blue A TS editorial
☛ TS
Judgment: Jury acquits Gundersen on rape charges, convicts on battery and guns
☛ ER Gundersen Trial Concludes
☛ ER Gundersen verdict closes a chapter
☛ ER Blue Lake looks back, moves forward
☛ ER A timeline of the David Gundersen case
☛ ER Break it down: The various verdicts of David Gundersen
24 counts of felony spousal rape with an intoxicant: NOT GUILTY☛ TS Gundersen's battery convictions may come under fire
11 counts of misdemeanor battery (lesser charge than rape): GUILTY up to six months in jail, a fine or both
Felony attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness of a crime: NOT GUILTY
Felony possession of a machine gun: GUILTY brings maximum sentence of three years in prison
Felony possession of a silencer: GUILTY brings maximum sentence of three years in prison
Misdemeanor violation of a court order: GUILTY up to one year in jail, a fine or both
Misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance: DISMISSED at the beginning of trial
For his part, District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he believes the statute of limitations clock, even on misdemeanors, doesn't start running until law enforcement knows or reasonably should have known of the offense. In this case, Gallegos said, that means the statute of limitations would not run out at least until Feb. 8, 2009, or one year after Gundersen's arrest and the discovery of the photographs in question.
☛ TS Protective order revoked in Gundersen case
☛ TS Bail lowered from $1.25 million to $50,000 at a hearing this afternoon.
☛ ER Gundersen to be released from jail tonight
On Friday, Watson dismissed the emergency protective order placed on Gundersen follow his preliminary hearing in April, which prohibited him from contacting Seal.☛ TS Gundersen fails to show up for court hearing 10/22/08
Gundersen will be sentenced on Oct. 22 and faces at worst three years, eight months in prison, mostly related to the firearm charges. 9/29/08
☛ ER Gundersen a no-show at hearing 10/22/08
Clanton said he also plans to file a motion for a new trial, after speaking with jury members about their findings in the case. That motion will likely be heard before Gundersen's sentencing.
"Certainly you don't go to sentencing until you have the motion for a new trial filed," Clanton said.
☛ TS Recommended Gundersen charges stem back to old investigations 11/15/08
☛ TS Trinidad PD recommends theft charges against Gundersen 11/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen files motion to toss convictions 11/13/08
☛ TS Gundersen faces new charge 11/21/08
☛ TS Gundersen given probation for firearms convictions 11.22.08
A Humboldt County Superior Court judge sentenced former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen to four years probation Friday, for a pair of September convictions of illegally possessing a submachine gun and a pistol with a silencer.
Gundersen faced a maximum sentence of three years and eight months in prison for the convictions, but Judge Bruce Watson found that unusual circumstances surrounded the convictions which would normally carry a presumption of ineligibility for probation.
Watson also ruled in favor of a defense motion seeking to set aside 11 misdemeanor battery convictions, ruling that the convictions were time-barred by statutes of limitations.
In addition: After an April preliminary hearing, Gundersen was also held to stand trial on allegations that he raped his then live-in girlfriend in 1999 and acted unlawfully with department records, but a judge ruled those charges would be tried separately.
In court Friday, the District Attorney's Office also announced it will not proceed with those charges.
”My instructions are that the people don't intend to proceed with those counts, so I request that they be dismissed in the interest of justice,” Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat told the court. (Gallegos did not appear)
☛ TS Gundersen held to answer to theft charge
Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Ray Gundersen was held to stand trial today on a single charge of felony grand theft, stemming from his days as Trinidad's chief of police.
Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson ruled today that there is sufficient evidence to hold Gundersen to stand trial on the charge, which alleges that he took five firearms out of Trinidad Police Department evidence and traded them, along with other guns, for a submachine gun and a silencer -- weapons Gundersen was convicted of possessing illegally in December.
Current Trinidad Police Chief Ken Thrailkill was the sole witness called to testify at the preliminary hearing. Gundersen is due back in court March 11 for an arraignment.
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☛ riodelltimes People vs. David Gundersen Part II 3/14/09
☛ TS Gundersen pleads not guilty 3/14/09
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BLOGS:
☛ Heraldo - Blue Lake Police Chief Arrested for Rape
☛ Mirror - Police chief denies spousal rape accusation, says two were never married 5/10/08
☛ The Wasp - Gallegos the Sneak 5/13/08
☛ The Wasp = Correction/Update
☛ Mirror - Police chief pleads not guilty to spousal rape, requests Valentine’s Day conjugal with wife 5/14/08
☛ The Wasp - Gold stars for Thad and John...but something's amiss
☛ Fred: What???
☛ Fred: Prosecutions
☛ SoHum Parlance - Blue Lake police chief denied OR
☛ BEHIND THE BLUE WALL blog has a post on the Gundersen matter.
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake slips motto contest into city council agenda 3/5/08
☛ Mirror - Gallegos hires Mandrake the Magician to erase memories of alleged rape victims’ names 3/18/08
☛ Mirror - At this point, we would definitely consider a name change 3/26/08
☛ Blue Lake cans Chief Gundersen 4/9/08
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake City Council shows some sack 4/10/08
☛ Mirror - Blue Lake’s entire police force now on paid administrative leave 4/15/08
☛ Mirror - Gundersen got way more action than previously believed 5/13/08
☛ Mirror - Confirmed: Gundersen attorney desperately seeking venue change 7/7/08
☛ Mirror - And now a few words from the Too Goddamn Much Information department
The Mirror Gallegos found guilty of wankering another big case
Heraldo And the verdict is...
BACKGROUND/PAST HISTORY
☛; ER Gundersen: No stranger to bumpy roads The story of Gundersen's previous arrest and its outcome.
☛ Legal Defense Fund http://www.porac.org/ldf/articles/february%201%201998.html
Adelanto Showdown: Officers vs Council February 1998
☛ From the Lunesta site Opening paragraph:
(note: the first TS link each day may be dead as they are breaking news posts that later get dropped as the full story is posted the next morning.)
(NOTE: The Eureka Reporter ceased publication on Nov. 8th, 2008. At this time, all online archives are gone, thus all links are dead. Whether they will be restored is unknown. If anyone is researching this topic, there should be archived copies of the actual papers at the Humboldt County Library. The loss of these archives is a tragedy.)
First posted 2/16/08 Updated on an ongoing basis
UPDATE:
◼ Grand theft charge dismissed against former Blue Lake police chief
UPDATED:
◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012
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