◼ Deputy DA resigns abruptly; unclear why prosecutor walked away on eve of murder trial - Thadeus Greenson/Times Standard
...Well thought of around the courthouse, McLaughlin was the prosecutor assigned to Humboldt County Drug Task Force cases and handled a variety of high-profile violent crimes....
McLaughlin's departure seems to pose a challenge for Gallegos' office, which now appears to have a dearth of attorneys with experience prosecuting violent felony cases. The issue is especially apparent now, with two murder trials currently under way and three more slated to begin in the coming weeks.
Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison is in the process of selecting a jury in Brian Cole Fiore's murder case. With Gallegos stepping in to handle the Miller case, it is unclear who will handle the murder prosecution of Leon Bigleggins, who stands accused of murdering a 4-year-old boy and whose trial is slated to begin Monday. Gallegos has been prosecuting the case.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Neel has experience trying violent crimes, but she is currently responsible for making charging decisions. Gallegos was not immediately available to comment on the status of the cases Thursday afternoon.
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