Monday, December 21, 2015
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Angels in the Blogosphere, and in Law Enforcement, first responders...
◼ ‘I NEED HELP,” AN EMAIL BRINGS THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO THE RESCUE - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt
and then...
◼ Unknown dude, pounds on my door, asks me to call the ambulance, then belligerent to me and the fire department... - John Chiv/Words Worth
and then...
◼ Unknown dude, pounds on my door, asks me to call the ambulance, then belligerent to me and the fire department... - John Chiv/Words Worth
Friday, December 18, 2015
Wow! Back to full staff! The DA’s Office now has 16 full-time Deputy District Attorneys.
◼ Two new deputy DAs hired by Humboldt County District Office - John Chiv/Words Worth
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming today announced the hiring of two new Deputy District Attorneys: Michael McDonald of Blue Lake and Jamie Murdock of Orange, California. Both will be handling misdemeanor caseloads....
Maggie Fleming has hired 9 prosecutors this year. MORE
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming today announced the hiring of two new Deputy District Attorneys: Michael McDonald of Blue Lake and Jamie Murdock of Orange, California. Both will be handling misdemeanor caseloads....
Maggie Fleming has hired 9 prosecutors this year. MORE
Despite Paul Gallegos' incompetence, the Attorney General's Office fixed this... (w/UPDATES & Bumped)
◼ Timothy Littlefield cuffed and taken unto custody, no bail, whispers I love you to his father twice - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ People request bench warrant for Timothy Littlefield, defense counsel tries unsuccessfully to change Judge Feeney's mind - John Chiv/Words Worth
Note: Commenters express concern that Littlefield might skip town. Can't IMAGINE what would have given them THAT idea...
◼ Apellate court reverses Littlefield mistrial decision by Judge Feeney - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Appellant v. TIMOTHY FLOYD LITTLEFIELD, Defendant and Respondent. A141929 (Humboldt County Super. Ct. No. CR091204S)
In sum, we find juror M.L.’s statements regarding his mental processes during jury deliberations are irrelevant in assessing the validity of the verdict. As these statements were the only evidence defendant presented in support of his motion for a new trial, the trial court abused its discretion in granting the motion.
DISPOSITION
The trial court’s order granting defendant’s motion for a new trial is reversed. We remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
◼ Littlefield Mistrial Overturned, Guilty Verdicts Stand - Thaddeus Greenson/North Coast Journal
◼ Earlier: "We expect a prosecutor to know the law." comment about former DA Paul Gallegos (UPDATED)
Details...
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT DIVISION ONE
A jury found defendant Timothy Floyd Littlefield guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, one count of penetration with a foreign object, one count of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, and seven counts of sex or sodomy with a child. Defendant moved for a new trial based on jury misconduct. In support, he presented a juror declaration suggesting the juror believed defendant had the burden of proof at trial. The juror recanted at an evidentiary hearing, testifying he had not personally written the declaration or read it carefully before signing. The trial court nevertheless granted defendant’s motion for a new trial. The Attorney General now appeals, arguing the juror’s declaration and testimony were irrelevant and inadmissible under Evidence Code1 section 1150. We agree and reverse.
...A jury found defendant Timothy Floyd Littlefield guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, one count of penetration with a foreign object, one count of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, and seven counts of sex or sodomy with a child. Defendant moved for a new trial based on jury misconduct. In support, he presented a juror declaration suggesting the juror believed defendant had the burden of proof at trial. The juror recanted at an evidentiary hearing, testifying he had not personally written the declaration or read it carefully before signing. The trial court nevertheless granted defendant’s motion for a new trial. The Attorney General now appeals, arguing the juror’s declaration and testimony were irrelevant and inadmissible under Evidence Code1 section 1150. We agree and reverse....
The jury found defendant guilty of all counts charged.2 Defendant subsequently moved for a new trial, arguing jury misconduct prevented fair and due consideration of the case. In connection with the motion, defendant submitted a declaration by juror M.L., dated March 2014. The declaration stated, in relevant part: “I told [defendant’s investigator] that I did not feel that the defense had ‘proven’ their case. I also said that the defense also did not have any evidence to back up their theory of what happened.”
Prior to the hearing, defendant filed a revised declaration by juror M.L., dated May 2, 2014, stating: “I told [defendant’s investigator] that I did not feel that the defense had ‘proven’ their case. In that, I meant that the defendant, Timothy Littlefield or his attorney did not prove all or part of their defense. It was my belief that they were obligated to do this in order to find Timothy Littlefield not guilty. I said that the defense also did not have any evidence to back up their theory of what happened.”
The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on the matter on May 8, 2014. At the hearing, juror M.L. testified he believed the district attorney had the burden of proof at trial. When asked by defense counsel about the statements in his May declaration, M.L. responded: “But I misspoken [sic] there. And it’s the district attorney has the burden of proof, and I thought that you were rebuttal when things were brought up.” M.L. also indicated he had not drafted the declarations himself, and he had not read the May declaration in its entirety before signing it....
The Attorney General argues the trial court erred in granting defendant’s motion for a new trial because its ruling was based on evidence of juror M.L.’s mental processes, which are inadmissible under section 1150.3 The Attorney General also argues the trial court’s finding of juror misconduct was not supported by substantial evidence, since M.L. consistently testified at the evidentiary hearing that he understood the prosecution had the burden of proof. Defendant argues the evidence concerning M.L. was properly admitted and, in any event, the People waived the section 1150 issue by failing to object below. Defendant further argues M.L.’s declaration alone constitutes substantial evidence of juror misconduct. We agree with the Attorney General, as we find M.L.’s statements regarding his mental processes were of no consequence in assessing the validity of the verdict.
...there was no need for the trial court to resolve the inconsistencies in M.L.’s various statements, as they were all inadmissible and irrelevant to the issue presented. Section 1150 provides that evidence of a juror’s subjective mental processes, such as those described by M.L., are inadmissible for the purposes impeaching a verdict. Specifically, the statute states: “Upon an inquiry as to the validity of a verdict, any otherwise admissible evidence may be received as to statements made, or conduct, conditions, or events occurring, either within or without the jury room, of such a character as is likely to have influenced the verdict improperly. No evidence is admissible to show the effect of such statement, conduct, condition, or event upon a juror either in influencing him to assent to or dissent from the verdict or concerning the mental processes by which it was determined.” (§ 1150, subd. (a).) “Thus, jurors may testify to ‘overt acts’—that is, such statements, conduct, conditions, or events as are ‘open to sight, hearing, and the other senses and thus subject to corroboration’—but may not testify to ‘the subjective reasoning processes of the individual juror . . . .’ ” (In re Stankewitz (1985) 40 Cal.3d 391, 398 (Stankewitz).)
...Contrary to defendant’s contention, People v. Lewis (2001) 26 Cal.4th 334, does not hold otherwise. In that case, the court stated section 1150 “does not prohibit admitting a statement that reflects a juror’s reasoning processes if the statement itself amounts to juror misconduct.” (People v. Lewis, at p. 389.) But this merely means that a juror may commit misconduct where, for example, he or she makes an erroneous statement of the law to other jurors during deliberations. Stankewitz, the authority on which People v. Lewis relied, is illustrative....
In contrast, here, it appears juror M.L. did keep his opinion to himself. There is no indication M.L. discussed his thoughts on the parties’ burden of proof with other jurors, let alone that he held himself out as an expert on the matter....
...Citing the recent decision by the Apellate Court, the length of prison sentence he faces and "the substansial risk of absconding," Timothy Littlefield was ordered remanded into custody as requested by the Humboldt County District Attorney's office....I'll give Russ Clanton credit for trying. A defense attorney's job is to try every trick in the book, and he did.
After the guilty verdict in the second trial, Littlefield faces upto 155 plus years to life unless a motion for a third trial is granted or additional evidence is provided by the defense regarding the second trial....
◼ People request bench warrant for Timothy Littlefield, defense counsel tries unsuccessfully to change Judge Feeney's mind - John Chiv/Words Worth
Bennett vs Clanton, after three rounds of defensive and passionate advocacy by Mr. Russ Clanton, who represents Timothy Littlefield, Jr.; questioning and effort by Judge John Feeney to accomodate rescheduling; the People represented by Deputy District Attorney prevailed.◼ UPDATE: Review of appellate hearing and custody status scheduled in Timothy Littlefield's case for tomorrow - John Chiv/Words Worth Dec 17, 2015
Note: Commenters express concern that Littlefield might skip town. Can't IMAGINE what would have given them THAT idea...
◼ Apellate court reverses Littlefield mistrial decision by Judge Feeney - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Appellant v. TIMOTHY FLOYD LITTLEFIELD, Defendant and Respondent. A141929 (Humboldt County Super. Ct. No. CR091204S)
In sum, we find juror M.L.’s statements regarding his mental processes during jury deliberations are irrelevant in assessing the validity of the verdict. As these statements were the only evidence defendant presented in support of his motion for a new trial, the trial court abused its discretion in granting the motion.
DISPOSITION
The trial court’s order granting defendant’s motion for a new trial is reversed. We remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
◼ Littlefield Mistrial Overturned, Guilty Verdicts Stand - Thaddeus Greenson/North Coast Journal
In the wake of Littlefield’s conviction — which saw jurors deliberate for just three hours before returning 11 guilty verdicts — his attorney, Russell Clanton, provided the court with a sworn declaration from a juror in the case saying he voted to convict Littlefield because the defense hadn’t proven him innocent. The juror later recanted that version of events in testimony before the court but, because the foundation of our criminal justice system is built on the tenet that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty, Feeney declared a mistrial in the case.(** Note that the opinion EXPRESSLY addresses that very point, and states that that did not happen)
In its ruling issued today, the appellate court said that evidence showing a juror’s mental state is inadmissible and irrelevant to the question of whether a verdict is proper. Consequently, the appellate court overruled Feeney’s mistrial declaration and remanded the case back to his court for further proceedings.
So what’s that all mean? Now back in the local court, the defense will have a chance to present Feeney with whatever other evidence of juror misconduct it might have. To win a mistrial declaration, the defense will essentially have to prove that the juror in question not only mistakenly believed the defense had the burden of proof but that he convinced other jurors of the same during deliberations, or at least attempted to. **
If the defense is unable to do that, then Littlefield will be back facing eight life sentences.
◼ Earlier: "We expect a prosecutor to know the law." comment about former DA Paul Gallegos (UPDATED)
Details...
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT DIVISION ONE
A jury found defendant Timothy Floyd Littlefield guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, one count of penetration with a foreign object, one count of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, and seven counts of sex or sodomy with a child. Defendant moved for a new trial based on jury misconduct. In support, he presented a juror declaration suggesting the juror believed defendant had the burden of proof at trial. The juror recanted at an evidentiary hearing, testifying he had not personally written the declaration or read it carefully before signing. The trial court nevertheless granted defendant’s motion for a new trial. The Attorney General now appeals, arguing the juror’s declaration and testimony were irrelevant and inadmissible under Evidence Code1 section 1150. We agree and reverse.
...A jury found defendant Timothy Floyd Littlefield guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, one count of penetration with a foreign object, one count of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, and seven counts of sex or sodomy with a child. Defendant moved for a new trial based on jury misconduct. In support, he presented a juror declaration suggesting the juror believed defendant had the burden of proof at trial. The juror recanted at an evidentiary hearing, testifying he had not personally written the declaration or read it carefully before signing. The trial court nevertheless granted defendant’s motion for a new trial. The Attorney General now appeals, arguing the juror’s declaration and testimony were irrelevant and inadmissible under Evidence Code1 section 1150. We agree and reverse....
The jury found defendant guilty of all counts charged.2 Defendant subsequently moved for a new trial, arguing jury misconduct prevented fair and due consideration of the case. In connection with the motion, defendant submitted a declaration by juror M.L., dated March 2014. The declaration stated, in relevant part: “I told [defendant’s investigator] that I did not feel that the defense had ‘proven’ their case. I also said that the defense also did not have any evidence to back up their theory of what happened.”
Prior to the hearing, defendant filed a revised declaration by juror M.L., dated May 2, 2014, stating: “I told [defendant’s investigator] that I did not feel that the defense had ‘proven’ their case. In that, I meant that the defendant, Timothy Littlefield or his attorney did not prove all or part of their defense. It was my belief that they were obligated to do this in order to find Timothy Littlefield not guilty. I said that the defense also did not have any evidence to back up their theory of what happened.”
The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on the matter on May 8, 2014. At the hearing, juror M.L. testified he believed the district attorney had the burden of proof at trial. When asked by defense counsel about the statements in his May declaration, M.L. responded: “But I misspoken [sic] there. And it’s the district attorney has the burden of proof, and I thought that you were rebuttal when things were brought up.” M.L. also indicated he had not drafted the declarations himself, and he had not read the May declaration in its entirety before signing it....
The Attorney General argues the trial court erred in granting defendant’s motion for a new trial because its ruling was based on evidence of juror M.L.’s mental processes, which are inadmissible under section 1150.3 The Attorney General also argues the trial court’s finding of juror misconduct was not supported by substantial evidence, since M.L. consistently testified at the evidentiary hearing that he understood the prosecution had the burden of proof. Defendant argues the evidence concerning M.L. was properly admitted and, in any event, the People waived the section 1150 issue by failing to object below. Defendant further argues M.L.’s declaration alone constitutes substantial evidence of juror misconduct. We agree with the Attorney General, as we find M.L.’s statements regarding his mental processes were of no consequence in assessing the validity of the verdict.
...there was no need for the trial court to resolve the inconsistencies in M.L.’s various statements, as they were all inadmissible and irrelevant to the issue presented. Section 1150 provides that evidence of a juror’s subjective mental processes, such as those described by M.L., are inadmissible for the purposes impeaching a verdict. Specifically, the statute states: “Upon an inquiry as to the validity of a verdict, any otherwise admissible evidence may be received as to statements made, or conduct, conditions, or events occurring, either within or without the jury room, of such a character as is likely to have influenced the verdict improperly. No evidence is admissible to show the effect of such statement, conduct, condition, or event upon a juror either in influencing him to assent to or dissent from the verdict or concerning the mental processes by which it was determined.” (§ 1150, subd. (a).) “Thus, jurors may testify to ‘overt acts’—that is, such statements, conduct, conditions, or events as are ‘open to sight, hearing, and the other senses and thus subject to corroboration’—but may not testify to ‘the subjective reasoning processes of the individual juror . . . .’ ” (In re Stankewitz (1985) 40 Cal.3d 391, 398 (Stankewitz).)
...Contrary to defendant’s contention, People v. Lewis (2001) 26 Cal.4th 334, does not hold otherwise. In that case, the court stated section 1150 “does not prohibit admitting a statement that reflects a juror’s reasoning processes if the statement itself amounts to juror misconduct.” (People v. Lewis, at p. 389.) But this merely means that a juror may commit misconduct where, for example, he or she makes an erroneous statement of the law to other jurors during deliberations. Stankewitz, the authority on which People v. Lewis relied, is illustrative....
In contrast, here, it appears juror M.L. did keep his opinion to himself. There is no indication M.L. discussed his thoughts on the parties’ burden of proof with other jurors, let alone that he held himself out as an expert on the matter....
Saturday, December 12, 2015
"The responsibility for this tragedy to have occurred should be solely laid out right upon the front of both of their feet."
◼ A comment, left by NorCalGuy101, here: Jason Warren’s Surviving Victims Discuss Cruz Waivers, the Death Penalty and the Importance of Cultivating Goodness - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
...Warren has now been found guilty of murdering Hoopa woman Dorothy Ulrich, and doing so after lying in wait and torturing her. He was also found guilty of murdering HSU lecturer Suzanne Seemann and attempting to murder her friends and fellow educators Terri Vroman Little and Jessica Hunt. The three women were out for a run that morning when Warren, driving a car he’d stolen from Ulrich, passed them in the opposite direction, turned around and ran them down from behind at high speed.
The trial lasted a month, and the tragic morning itself is now more than three years past....
Seemann said his compulsion to be there every day stemmed partly from a kinship with Suzie’s parents and Hunt and Vroman Little and also Ulrich’s mother, Shirley Ortega. They were there to represent the deceased and to bear witness, he said. But he was also aware that the fate of the man who killed his wife was being placed in the hands of two attorneys — prosecutor Paul Sequeira and defense attorney Glenn Brown — and he wanted to hold them accountable.
“We needed to convey that there can’t be any mistakes,” Seemann said.
The Cruz Waiver
Or any more mistakes, he might well have said. From the beginning, this case has been tinged with anger and blame over a legal maneuver that allowed Warren to commit the crimes. Roughly a month before the murders, Warren was granted a Cruz waiver, part of a plea deal that allowed him out of jail and promised a lighter sentence. In exchange, Warren agreed to obey all laws and show up for his a Sept. 7, 2012, sentencing hearing. He did neither, of course, and thus the Cruz waiver proved to be a catastrophic error in judgment.
Judge Timothy Cissna, who heard the double-murder case, was the one who granted the Cruz waiver, but Hunt said she’s more angry at the deputy district attorney who was in the courtroom at the time and especially his then-boss, former DA Paul Gallegos.
“That’s who I blame,” Hunt said. “Part of their job is to be on top of who is getting processed in the courtroom, to be able to speak with authority about yes or no, that’s an OK person to get a Cruz waiver.”
In the aftermath of the crimes, Gallegos refused to admit that Warren should not have been set free. While saying he wished to God that his office had opposed the Cruz waiver or that the judge hadn’t granted it, Gallegos was quoted in the Times-Standard saying, “I don’t question the decision that was made. It was the right decision for that time.”
Seemann said that “decision” was likely ill-informed. “I actually arranged for a Public Records Act request to see what policies that office had for Cruz waivers, and what we discovered was that they had none,” he said. “So I think there was clearly a lack of clarity and direction” in the office....
________________________
"...there was clearly a lack of clarity and direction” in the office...."
And there it is. In a nutshell. From beginning to end, what defined Paul Gallegos' term in office as Humboldt County DA. It was evident in the beginning, and he never made any attempt to improve. Never. Law enforcement sounded the alarm early on. Prosecutors warned. This blog came about in part because so many had so much information they were afraid to speak themselves. The Grand Jury called it out. People who left the office described conditions in the office (and still do). And he never made any attempt to improve.
It was slipshod.
And people died. Not just the two in this case, either.
In the end, though, you can add the pot community to the list of those who are to blame. These two people were sacrificed on the altar of Humboldt weed. They kept him office, with their votes and their money. Knowing. And make no mistake, They Knew.
And, Ryan Burns article, linked above, is an excellent piece.
So sorry it had to be written.
...Warren has now been found guilty of murdering Hoopa woman Dorothy Ulrich, and doing so after lying in wait and torturing her. He was also found guilty of murdering HSU lecturer Suzanne Seemann and attempting to murder her friends and fellow educators Terri Vroman Little and Jessica Hunt. The three women were out for a run that morning when Warren, driving a car he’d stolen from Ulrich, passed them in the opposite direction, turned around and ran them down from behind at high speed.
The trial lasted a month, and the tragic morning itself is now more than three years past....
Seemann said his compulsion to be there every day stemmed partly from a kinship with Suzie’s parents and Hunt and Vroman Little and also Ulrich’s mother, Shirley Ortega. They were there to represent the deceased and to bear witness, he said. But he was also aware that the fate of the man who killed his wife was being placed in the hands of two attorneys — prosecutor Paul Sequeira and defense attorney Glenn Brown — and he wanted to hold them accountable.
“We needed to convey that there can’t be any mistakes,” Seemann said.
The Cruz Waiver
Or any more mistakes, he might well have said. From the beginning, this case has been tinged with anger and blame over a legal maneuver that allowed Warren to commit the crimes. Roughly a month before the murders, Warren was granted a Cruz waiver, part of a plea deal that allowed him out of jail and promised a lighter sentence. In exchange, Warren agreed to obey all laws and show up for his a Sept. 7, 2012, sentencing hearing. He did neither, of course, and thus the Cruz waiver proved to be a catastrophic error in judgment.
Judge Timothy Cissna, who heard the double-murder case, was the one who granted the Cruz waiver, but Hunt said she’s more angry at the deputy district attorney who was in the courtroom at the time and especially his then-boss, former DA Paul Gallegos.
“That’s who I blame,” Hunt said. “Part of their job is to be on top of who is getting processed in the courtroom, to be able to speak with authority about yes or no, that’s an OK person to get a Cruz waiver.”
In the aftermath of the crimes, Gallegos refused to admit that Warren should not have been set free. While saying he wished to God that his office had opposed the Cruz waiver or that the judge hadn’t granted it, Gallegos was quoted in the Times-Standard saying, “I don’t question the decision that was made. It was the right decision for that time.”
Seemann said that “decision” was likely ill-informed. “I actually arranged for a Public Records Act request to see what policies that office had for Cruz waivers, and what we discovered was that they had none,” he said. “So I think there was clearly a lack of clarity and direction” in the office....
"...there was clearly a lack of clarity and direction” in the office...."
And there it is. In a nutshell. From beginning to end, what defined Paul Gallegos' term in office as Humboldt County DA. It was evident in the beginning, and he never made any attempt to improve. Never. Law enforcement sounded the alarm early on. Prosecutors warned. This blog came about in part because so many had so much information they were afraid to speak themselves. The Grand Jury called it out. People who left the office described conditions in the office (and still do). And he never made any attempt to improve.
It was slipshod.
And people died. Not just the two in this case, either.
In the end, though, you can add the pot community to the list of those who are to blame. These two people were sacrificed on the altar of Humboldt weed. They kept him office, with their votes and their money. Knowing. And make no mistake, They Knew.
And, Ryan Burns article, linked above, is an excellent piece.
So sorry it had to be written.
Friday, December 11, 2015
No way to spend the holidays
Hard on the jurors to be. Probably means nothing to the people who have meth for breakfast as if it is Cheerios.
◼ Second jury trial for Fieldbrook double murder homicide of Harley Hammers, Jr. and Angel Tully scheduled for December 14 continued to January 11 - John Chiv/Words Worth
UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
◼ Second jury trial for Fieldbrook double murder homicide of Harley Hammers, Jr. and Angel Tully scheduled for December 14 continued to January 11 - John Chiv/Words Worth
UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
After deliberating for only two hours, the jury found Jason Warren guilty of all charges UPDATED
◼ Jason Warren to be sentenced January 14, weapons and items of evidence with blood to be returned to the People
◼ "I am grateful Maggie chose the person she did to try this case," said Ms. Vroman Little. "I feel relieved. Vindication has not been a part of my vocabulary." - John Chiv/Words Worth 4:45
I echo that. The prosecutor in this case is a master.
◼ Jury Finds Warren Guilty on All Counts - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 3:11 updated at 4:32
◼ Defense Sprinkles Piecemeal Doubts in Closing Argument of Warren Double-Murder Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 1:43
◼ "They were cowardly attacks on defenseless women from behind, similar to others" - John Chiv/Words Worth 10:56
◼ Closing arguments over, jury is deliberating Jason Warren's fate - John Chiv/Words Worth 10:52
After a ten minute court hearing this morning in which Judge Timothy Cissna made a Court finding that Jason Warren's prior juvenile allegations were true and considered a strike under the three strike law, a sentencing date for Warren for set for January 14 at 8:30 a.m.◼ Jury finds Jason Warren guilty of all charges - John Chiv/Words Worth 3:09
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming appeared in court for the People. Mr. Glenn Brown present with Warren.
Certain adjudications of juvenile crimes are considered a strike under the three strike law.
◼ "I am grateful Maggie chose the person she did to try this case," said Ms. Vroman Little. "I feel relieved. Vindication has not been a part of my vocabulary." - John Chiv/Words Worth 4:45
I echo that. The prosecutor in this case is a master.
◼ Jury Finds Warren Guilty on All Counts - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 3:11 updated at 4:32
A sentencing hearing will be held 20 days after that matter is settled, but those issues are mostly formalities since the crimes Warren has now been found guilty of carry an automatic sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole.◼ Warren guilty on all counts - Paul Mann/Mad River Union
◼ Defense Sprinkles Piecemeal Doubts in Closing Argument of Warren Double-Murder Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 1:43
◼ "They were cowardly attacks on defenseless women from behind, similar to others" - John Chiv/Words Worth 10:56
◼ Closing arguments over, jury is deliberating Jason Warren's fate - John Chiv/Words Worth 10:52
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Closing Arguments, Warren.
◼ "Dorothy Ulrich was aware of the pain, you can hear her screaming. Was a decision being made while she was being stabbed and beaten by a sword while she begged for her life" - John Chiv/Words Worth - John Chiv/Words Worth 5:06
◼ ‘He Tortured Her to Death’ Prosecutor Argues in Closing Statement for Warren Double-Murder Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 6:27
May the families find peace, and relief, when this is over.
"Beaten while someone is screaming in agony, saying stop, please stop, please stop, I can't take it anymore."◼ Closing arguments start in Jason Warren trial after an hour and half of jury instructions - John Chiv/Words Worth
Mr. Sequeira referred to Dorothy Ulrich's swollen hands and said that Warren beat her "as she begged to live a little longer. Can you imagine the mental anguish? The defendant had the ability to stop. What did he say? Shut up and be quiet. He might as well have said Shut up and be quiet, I'm killing you."
"She is not here to testify but her last words, she told you who killed her."
◼ ‘He Tortured Her to Death’ Prosecutor Argues in Closing Statement for Warren Double-Murder Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 6:27
He also added some context to the dry legal definitions. Murder in the first degree requires malice aforethought, whether implied or express, Sequeira said. Like if you were to “smash someone’s head with a sword,” he added, referencing the alleged murder weapon in Ulrich’s death.◼ Warren prosecutor: Trial shows trail of murder - Jessie Faulkner/Times-Standard
Lying in wait involves concealing your purpose and waiting for an opportunity to act before unleashing a surprise attack. That doesn’t necessarily mean a bad guy jumping out from behind a bush, Sequeira said. It could be someone who was hanging out with the victim all day, as Warren did with Ulrich.
Premeditation and deliberation, Sequeira said, is about the process of making a decision.◼ 11 days. 4 weeks. 3 years. And now...
“We all know that Dorothy Ulrich made a fatal mistake in that she brought the defendant into her house,” he said.
For 18 hours, Sequeira stressed, Warren was in Ulrich’s home. While the prosecutor said he had decided not to replay the audio capturing the sounds of the assault that killed Ulrich, he pointed to that four minutes of pain, fear and desperation as torture, one of the special allegations Warren faces. That argument continued with attention on two wounds the medical examiner found on Ulrich’s chest.
“They’re not very deep,” he said. “They’re like jabs and pokes. Who does that unless they intend to inflict long and extended pain?”
May the families find peace, and relief, when this is over.
Brisso v. Bertain: Alleged Conflict Of Interest
◼ Anti-Slapp, constitutional rights and abuse of legal system, Brisso vs Bertain duke it out in lawsuit by Leo Sears against Greg Dale, Jack Crider and other Humboldt Bay Harbor Commissioners - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ FPPC opens investigation into Leo Sears' allegations about the Harbor District, FPPC also rules that Greg Dale can use campaign funds for this civil lawsuit - John Chiv/Words Worth
Earlier:
◼ Harbor district seeks to dismiss conflict of interest lawsuit - Will Houston/Times-Standard 11/06/15,
◼ Suit alleges conflict of interest in Harbor District vote - Times-Standard
◼ LoCOLLOQUY: Leo Sears Writes LoCO About His Lawsuit’s Timing, and of His Alleged Train Non-Buffdom - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ On the Eve of Harbor District Election, Rail Buffs File Conflict of Interest Suit Against Sitting Commissioner - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ FPPC opens investigation into Leo Sears' allegations about the Harbor District, FPPC also rules that Greg Dale can use campaign funds for this civil lawsuit - John Chiv/Words Worth
Earlier:
◼ Harbor district seeks to dismiss conflict of interest lawsuit - Will Houston/Times-Standard 11/06/15,
◼ Suit alleges conflict of interest in Harbor District vote - Times-Standard
Eureka resident and longtime taxpayers advocate Leo Sears filed a civil lawsuit on Monday alleging the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District violated state law when its board of commissioners voted to accept a $1.25 million loan from Coast Seafoods Co. to clean up hazardous waste at the district’s former Samoa pulp mill site and to extend the company’s tideland lease of more than 1,400 acres.◼ Harbor Board President: Conflict of Interest Lawsuit ‘Has No Merit,’ Was Filed to ‘Slander’ Commissioner - Richard Marks, Harbor Commissioner/Lost Coast Outpost 10/8/15
The lawsuit names 2nd Division Commissioner Greg Dale — who is running for reelection — and alleges there was a conflict of interest with the Coast Seafoods manager serving on the board when the lease extension and loan provisions were made. Dale was absent from the meetings when the decisions took place. The four other commissioners and the district’s executive director are also named in the suit.
◼ LoCOLLOQUY: Leo Sears Writes LoCO About His Lawsuit’s Timing, and of His Alleged Train Non-Buffdom - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ On the Eve of Harbor District Election, Rail Buffs File Conflict of Interest Suit Against Sitting Commissioner - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
The suit centers around several contracts between the district and Coast Seafoods, a large seafood company based in Washington. Those contracts include the lease of oyster bed space in Arcata Bay and a processing facility in the former pulp mill in Samoa, which the district acquired two years ago. They include, in addition, a $1.25 million loan that Coast Seafoods gave to the district to help finance the removal of mass quantities of hazardous materials left at the pulp mill site by its former owners.
Sears and Bertain accuse him – and the district generally – of having violated California Government Code Section 1090, which broadly states that local governments may not enter into contracts with the employers or businesses of those elected officials who serve on the local government’s board, if the board member in question can be said to have benefited financially from the contract.
The sentencing of Michael Youravish: life without possibility of parole
◼ "As he lay in a pool of blood, his last words were I believe in Jesus. " Forrest Lovejoy's mother compares Youravish to a butcher saying her faith has not been diminished - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Judge Feeney sentences a defiant, unremorseful Michael Youravish to life without possibility of parole for the brutal murder of Forrest Lovejoy - John Chiv/Words Worth Dec 1, 2015
◼ Judge Feeney sentences a defiant, unremorseful Michael Youravish to life without possibility of parole for the brutal murder of Forrest Lovejoy - John Chiv/Words Worth Dec 1, 2015
Three family members spoke and their statements were so powerful that all of us in the courtroom were moved, except Youravish who just sat there with no emotion.◼ Youravish Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole For 2013 McKinleyville Murder Lost Coast Outpost
From the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:And with that, one less murder trial in the queue.
On June 17, 2013, Michael Raymond Youravish lured Forrest Croft Lovejoy into the woods in McKinleyville and stabbed him to death, inflicting over 30 stab wounds. Mr. Youravish was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
On November 3, 2015, a Humboldt County jury returned guilty verdicts against Michael Raymond Youravish for first-degree murder committed intentionally by means of lying in wait.
On December 1, 2015, Mr. Youravish was sentenced by the Honorable John Feeney to the maximum term of life in State Prison without possibility of parole. Mr. Lovejoy’s birth-mother, step-mother and step-father made statements at the sentencing. They thanked the court, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and its investigators and the District Attorney’s Office. They described Forrest as a trusting, fun-loving man with a goofy sense of humor who was well loved by his family. Mr. Youravish declined to comment.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis.
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
11 days. 4 weeks. 3 years. And now...
Predictions? Guilty on all counts?
◼ Warren Trial, Day 11: Both the Prosecution and Defense Rest - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/30/15
Special Prosecutor Paul Sequeira, well done, sir.
_______________
◼ Previously: KNOWING Warren's history, Paul Gallegos let him out on a Cruz waiver.
◼ Gruesome. No other word for it.
◼ Jason Warren's juvenile record to be offerred in jury trial for limited purpose regarding his mental state
◼ The Jason Warren Trial - at long last
◼ Warren Dodges again.
◼ At long last...
◼ Warren case was called on in an open courtroom, Judge Marilyn Miles has been assigned the case UPDATED
◼ Warren trial set for September 14
◼ It seems the DA's Office has not learned its lesson re: Cruz waivers
◼ CHIV'S COURT BEAT
◼ Gallegos IS seeking the death penalty against Jason Anthony Warren
◼ Paul Gallegos gets continuance in defense request to dismiss Warren case
◼ Warren held to answer on pair of murder charges
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder
◼ A History of Violence, and a history of plea deals that should sicken you
◼ Warren Trial, Day 11: Both the Prosecution and Defense Rest - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/30/15
Jason Anthony Warren’s defense attorney, Glenn Brown with the county’s Alternate Counsel office, made no opening statement, called only two witnesses to the stand and took less than three hours to mount a rather feeble defense of his client, who stands charged with two counts of murder, one with special allegations of torture and lying in wait, and two counts of attempted murder....◼ Defense rests in Warren case, closing arguments Dec 2, deliberations to start same day - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/30/15
And so, nearly four weeks after the trial began and more than three years since the crimes were committed, it was the defense attorney’s turn to argue his side...
Jury will be back for instructions, closing arguments Wednesday, December 2 and is expected to start deliberations the same day.◼ "No, we are talking about the difference between negligence and intentional" - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/30/15
Using google maps, Walker's (the defense's main witness) own words and reports, Mr. Sequeira got the jury's attention and was able to completely unravel Walker's theory and report.◼ Jason Warren's juvenile record where he admitted to stabbing and assault put on record, defense traffic collision expert testifies - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/30/15
This morning the People read into record exhibits that will be admitted into evidence this morning about Jason Warren's juvenile record in 2001 where he admitted to attempted murder of a taxi cab driver, Cid Miller, and another admission of assault on a man, Fred Her, riding a bicycle. Both men testified for the People earlier in the trial.
Special Prosecutor Paul Sequeira, well done, sir.
◼ Previously: KNOWING Warren's history, Paul Gallegos let him out on a Cruz waiver.
◼ Gruesome. No other word for it.
◼ Jason Warren's juvenile record to be offerred in jury trial for limited purpose regarding his mental state
◼ The Jason Warren Trial - at long last
◼ Warren Dodges again.
◼ At long last...
◼ Warren case was called on in an open courtroom, Judge Marilyn Miles has been assigned the case UPDATED
◼ Warren trial set for September 14
◼ It seems the DA's Office has not learned its lesson re: Cruz waivers
◼ CHIV'S COURT BEAT
◼ Gallegos IS seeking the death penalty against Jason Anthony Warren
◼ Paul Gallegos gets continuance in defense request to dismiss Warren case
◼ Warren held to answer on pair of murder charges
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder
◼ A History of Violence, and a history of plea deals that should sicken you
Sunday, November 22, 2015
...Liberal Jon...
You keep your blog until the election formally begins, i.e.: when you actually file your papers and pay your fees. No need to tear it down until then. And even then, if it serves as your campaign website, you might choose to keep it.
Friday, November 20, 2015
"We expect a prosecutor to know the law." comment about former DA Paul Gallegos (UPDATED)
◼ "We expect a prosecutor to know the law." comment about former DA Paul Gallegos on the Timothy Littlefield case currently before the Court of Appeals - John Chiv/Words Worth
(Allan Dollison): ...This was the case, where a man was convicted of Multiple Lewd Acts on a Child. Over 9 months later he brought a Motion for New Trial with an affidavit from a juror attached who expressed an opinion that the "defense didn't prove their case." Purportedly the declaration was written by a defense investigator after a discussion with the juror. In our system of justice, the defense does not have to prove anything of course. The legal dispute will center around the admissibility of that declaration....
On the waiver and admissibility of the evidence, at one point, one of the Justices said, "We expect a prosecutor to know the law." Shortly when the opinion is issued we shall find out what the law is. One thing is clear and it went unsaid in the oral argument hearing. It is not the job of a judge to make the objections for the prosecutor, or even the defense attorney if the shoe was on the other foot.
UPDATE:
◼ Two Years After Molestation Conviction, Littlefield Waits to Hear Fate - Thaddeus Greenson/North Coast Journal
Why does it matter? You will soon see.
(Allan Dollison): ...This was the case, where a man was convicted of Multiple Lewd Acts on a Child. Over 9 months later he brought a Motion for New Trial with an affidavit from a juror attached who expressed an opinion that the "defense didn't prove their case." Purportedly the declaration was written by a defense investigator after a discussion with the juror. In our system of justice, the defense does not have to prove anything of course. The legal dispute will center around the admissibility of that declaration....
On the waiver and admissibility of the evidence, at one point, one of the Justices said, "We expect a prosecutor to know the law." Shortly when the opinion is issued we shall find out what the law is. One thing is clear and it went unsaid in the oral argument hearing. It is not the job of a judge to make the objections for the prosecutor, or even the defense attorney if the shoe was on the other foot.
UPDATE:
◼ Two Years After Molestation Conviction, Littlefield Waits to Hear Fate - Thaddeus Greenson/North Coast Journal
The question that’s currently before the appellate court justices is fairly straightforward, and has nothing to do with Littlefield’s guilt or innocence: Should Feeney have accepted the juror’s declaration as evidence?
...Based on their questions and comments, it seems clear the justices weren’t impressed with either Gallegos or Feeney’s handling of the motion for a mistrial in Littlefield’s case. One justice quipped in the oral arguments that the court expects state prosecutors to know the law.
“Or,” another justice chimes in, “he might have thought the judge would know the law of California well enough to say those declarations aren’t worth the paper they’re on.”
Why does it matter? You will soon see.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
KNOWING Warren's history, Paul Gallegos let him out on a Cruz waiver.
He'd stabbed a cab driver. ran down a bicyclist. Even if you can argue Cruz waivers are reasonable, it certainly is NOT in this case.
So he let him out. To 'get his affairs in order' - and he kills - stabs and runs down more people, killing two.
WHY?
Nov 19, 2015
◼ People rest in Warren case, last witness is neurosurgeon testifying about victims' brain injuries - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 19, 2015
◼ t/k - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 19, 2015
Nov 18, 2015
◼ CHP MAIT Team leader testifies that based on his investigation Jason Warren did not even attempt to brake or avoid hitting joggers on Myrtle Avenue - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 18, 2015
◼ "Yeah, he stabbed me in the chest and arm and I tried to get out" - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 18, 2015
◼ Warren Trial, Day Nine: Murders Foreshadowed by Similar Crimes a Decade Earlier - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 18, 2015
◼ Jason Warren's wife says it is traumatic to hear attack on Ulrich, ids Warren but not definitively this time - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ DOJ DNA specialist testfies that blood on Jason Warren's shoe and DNA from KIA matches victims - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ Jason Warren trial expected to finish early, deliberations expected to end by end of November, beginning of December - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ Jason Warren trial "significantly ahead of schedule" - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ link - Paul Mann/Mad River Union Nov 17, 2015
◼ Warren Trial, Day Eight: The DNA Matches, But Warren’s Wife Stops Short of Positive ID - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 17, 2015
Nov 16, 2015
◼ Evidence continues to build against Jason Warren with Department of Justice's senior criminalist's testimony - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 16, 2015
◼ Forensic pathologist testifies that Dorothy Ulrich tried to protect herself from the attack that took her life, family members left courtroom as detailed testimony was given on Seemann and Ulrich autopsies - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 16, 2015
◼ Warren Trial, Day Seven: The Autopsies - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 16, 2015
◼ EARLIER
So he let him out. To 'get his affairs in order' - and he kills - stabs and runs down more people, killing two.
WHY?
Nov 19, 2015
◼ People rest in Warren case, last witness is neurosurgeon testifying about victims' brain injuries - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 19, 2015
◼ t/k - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 19, 2015
Nov 18, 2015
◼ CHP MAIT Team leader testifies that based on his investigation Jason Warren did not even attempt to brake or avoid hitting joggers on Myrtle Avenue - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 18, 2015
◼ "Yeah, he stabbed me in the chest and arm and I tried to get out" - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 18, 2015
Cid Miller is the City Cab driver who Jason Warren stabbed in 2001. Warren was a juvenile at the time and he was convicted for the crime.◼ Eddie Koch who absconded from testifying in Warren trial, arrested, cuffed and beligerently resumes testimony - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 18, 2015
Miller testified this morning that Warren stabbed twice in the chest, twice in the back, once in the shoulder before he managed to jump out of the moving cab.
There was no warning, no argument, just a surprise attack.
◼ Warren Trial, Day Nine: Murders Foreshadowed by Similar Crimes a Decade Earlier - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 18, 2015
On April 10, 2001, following the brutal stabbing, the assailant stole the cab and took a back road toward Arcata....Nov 17, 2015
On April 10, 2001, another witness testified, he and a friend were riding their bikes on the shoulder of the road when they were struck from behind by the stolen cab, which swerved into the bike lane, sped up just before impact and then fled the scene....
◼ Jason Warren's wife says it is traumatic to hear attack on Ulrich, ids Warren but not definitively this time - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ DOJ DNA specialist testfies that blood on Jason Warren's shoe and DNA from KIA matches victims - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ Jason Warren trial expected to finish early, deliberations expected to end by end of November, beginning of December - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ Jason Warren trial "significantly ahead of schedule" - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 17, 2015
◼ link - Paul Mann/Mad River Union Nov 17, 2015
◼ Warren Trial, Day Eight: The DNA Matches, But Warren’s Wife Stops Short of Positive ID - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 17, 2015
Nov 16, 2015
◼ Evidence continues to build against Jason Warren with Department of Justice's senior criminalist's testimony - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 16, 2015
◼ Forensic pathologist testifies that Dorothy Ulrich tried to protect herself from the attack that took her life, family members left courtroom as detailed testimony was given on Seemann and Ulrich autopsies - John Chiv/Words Worth Nov 16, 2015
◼ Warren Trial, Day Seven: The Autopsies - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Nov 16, 2015
◼ EARLIER
The cases that don't really make headlines
...but are nonetheless important (and often interesting):
◼ David Lockhart arraignment for vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence causing the death of Hannah Baker - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Kristopher Jett who is awaiting placement to be committed, has order for anti psychotic medication assaults HCSO Correctional Deputy - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ David Lockhart arraignment for vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence causing the death of Hannah Baker - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Kristopher Jett who is awaiting placement to be committed, has order for anti psychotic medication assaults HCSO Correctional Deputy - John Chiv/Words Worth
Kristopher Jett who is awaiting placement in a mental health facility and had an order signed for psychotropic medication and is charged with assault adds to his criminal charges. Criminal proceedings have been suspended in his case. He was arrested for an assault near the Courthouse Market.◼ "Mr. Hillegeist understands he's now going to pay his debt to society. I honestly believe that he will avail himself of every positive opportunity while in the Department of Corrections, as he has in county jail, and emerge as a man who can contribute to society in a positive way." - John Chiv/Words Worth
Hillegeist was looking " at well north of 50-life," his attorney Mr. Ben McLaughlin told me.The matter resolved and now he will serve "12 years, @85%.◼ Resolution expected in case for former Miss Hoopa charged with four counts of alleged abuse including abnormal sexual interest in children - John Chiv/Words Worth
Mr. McLaughlin told Judge Joyce Hinrichs that "I am fairly certain there will be a resolution."◼ No bail for woman who gives law enforcement false name and is arrested for meth and marijuana - John Chiv/Words Worth
DDA Bennett agreed that there is an anticipated plea and said she had spoken with the victim and the victim's family last night.
"I will counsel my client to accept the offer," said Mr. McLaughlin.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
A little good news...
◼ County to provide additional money towards Reentry Resource Center which will cost 21.5 million - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Humboldt County gets twenty million to build the Humboldt County Corrections Reentry Resource Center - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Humboldt County gets twenty million to build the Humboldt County Corrections Reentry Resource Center - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
Gruesome. No other word for it.
The testimony in the Warren case, gruesome. And EVERYBODY is covering this one. Read the accounts by John Chiv, and Ryan Burns...
11/12/15
◼ "We pulled over the DMV area and were swarmed by a bunch of cops" - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Brutal attack on Dorothy Ulrich captured on audio minutes before Jason Warren is identified by law enforcement leaving her house on surveillance camera - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Double-murder case against Warren overwhelming - Paul Mann/Mad River Union
11/10/15
◼ Warren jury sees still image and video of Ulrich's front porch with a man leaving with a long stick like object - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ Dorothy Ulrich's mother leaves courtroom, many family and supporters cover eyes as graphic bloody photos of Hoopa crime scene are shown to Warren jury - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ "OMG she's bloody, OMG, she's dead", Blood curdling screams heard as friend and sister law discover Dorothy Ulrich's body - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ Warren Trial, Day Five: ‘The Type of Scream You Hear in a Horror Movie’ - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/10/15
11/9/15
◼ "She wasn't moving. I don't want to describe what I seen." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Jason Warren's best friend whose house he was hanging out before arrested is MIA, testimony is on hold - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Warren's attorney surprises Dorothy Ulrich's husband with, "Do you know why your wife would have Jason Warren fix the camera that looks out on the backyard?" - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Jury sees security video of the last time Dorothy Ulrich was seen alive with Jason Warren - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Warren Trial, Day Four: Security Footage, Samurai Swords and a Vanishing Witness - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/9/15
11/5/15
◼ "I suspected it to be blood", Jury in Warren case sees surveilance video from storage facility, hears testimony from EPD officer about blood and damage on abandoned KIA - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/5/15
◼ No defects found by NTSB in Kia Jason Warren was driving, today's testimony builds on details in prosecution's case - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/5/15
◼ Jury Sees Photos of Battered, Blood-Smeared Kia on Day Three of Warren Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/5/15
11/4/15
◼ Warren jury trial recessed for the day due to him being ill - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ Testimony in Day 2 has been paused twice due to Jason Warren needing a break - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ "I remember lying in the emergency room and someone trying to take my wedding rings, I remember I didn't want to give them up." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ "Beaten, stabbed, chopped, murdered." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
11/3/15
◼ Jury Hears Audio of Dorothy Ulrich’s Violent Death on First Day of Warren Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/3/15
11/2/15
◼ Jury selection in Warren complete, opening statements tomorrow morning - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/2/15
◼ Jury Selection Wraps Up in Warren Case; Opening Arguments Set for Tuesday Morning - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/2/15
10/29/15
◼ Jason Warren’s Attorney Takes Exhaustive Approach in Jury Selection Process - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 10/29/15
10/27/15
◼ Judge Warns Potential Jurors About ‘Graphic, Disturbing Evidence’ in Jason Warren Case - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 10/27/15
◼ Jury selection in Warren complete, opening statements tomorrow morning
9/30/15 (and earlier):
◼ Jury Selection in Warren Case Reveals That Many Presume Guilt - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Sept. 30, 2015
◼ Guilty until proven innocent? Potential juror mentions (Chiv's) post as TS article - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ ...jurors questioned for hardship in Warren jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Jason Warren trial starts, to go full days, jury selection starts this afternoon - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
◼ Jason Warren Trial Begins (September 28), Could Run Into First Week of December - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Two Double-Murder Trials Begin - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
11/12/15
◼ "We pulled over the DMV area and were swarmed by a bunch of cops" - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Brutal attack on Dorothy Ulrich captured on audio minutes before Jason Warren is identified by law enforcement leaving her house on surveillance camera - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/12/15
◼ Double-murder case against Warren overwhelming - Paul Mann/Mad River Union
Sequeira combed through this direct evidence last week with a series of law enforcement witnesses. He sought to give the seven men and five women jurors, plus five alternates, “a big picture” of the case against Warren, 31, who has a 14 year criminal record dating to his teens. He is on trial for two counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the violent deaths within an hour of each other of a Hoopa mother and a Bayside mother in 2012.◼ Warren Trial, Day Six: The Evidence Mounts - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/12/15
Two other local women could have been killed in the second murderous assault with a motor vehicle.
The evidence against Jason Anthony Warren piled up during the sixth day of his trial for two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The evidence presented today in court included extensive security camera footage placing Warren at the scene of one of those murders, plus an audio recording of one victim crying out the name “Jason” as she was killed and a sheriff’s investigator testifying that she recognized Warren on camera leaving immediately afterwards with a large sword in his hand.◼ Investigator testifies to Warren’s presence at victim’s Hoopa home - Jesse Faulkner/Times-Standard 11/12/15
11/10/15
◼ Warren jury sees still image and video of Ulrich's front porch with a man leaving with a long stick like object - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ Dorothy Ulrich's mother leaves courtroom, many family and supporters cover eyes as graphic bloody photos of Hoopa crime scene are shown to Warren jury - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ "OMG she's bloody, OMG, she's dead", Blood curdling screams heard as friend and sister law discover Dorothy Ulrich's body - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/10/15
◼ Warren Trial, Day Five: ‘The Type of Scream You Hear in a Horror Movie’ - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/10/15
11/9/15
◼ "She wasn't moving. I don't want to describe what I seen." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Jason Warren's best friend whose house he was hanging out before arrested is MIA, testimony is on hold - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Warren's attorney surprises Dorothy Ulrich's husband with, "Do you know why your wife would have Jason Warren fix the camera that looks out on the backyard?" - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Jury sees security video of the last time Dorothy Ulrich was seen alive with Jason Warren - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/9/15
◼ Warren Trial, Day Four: Security Footage, Samurai Swords and a Vanishing Witness - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/9/15
11/5/15
◼ "I suspected it to be blood", Jury in Warren case sees surveilance video from storage facility, hears testimony from EPD officer about blood and damage on abandoned KIA - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/5/15
◼ No defects found by NTSB in Kia Jason Warren was driving, today's testimony builds on details in prosecution's case - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/5/15
◼ Jury Sees Photos of Battered, Blood-Smeared Kia on Day Three of Warren Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/5/15
11/4/15
◼ Warren jury trial recessed for the day due to him being ill - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ Testimony in Day 2 has been paused twice due to Jason Warren needing a break - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ "I remember lying in the emergency room and someone trying to take my wedding rings, I remember I didn't want to give them up." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
◼ "Beaten, stabbed, chopped, murdered." - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
Mendocino Assistant District Attorney Paul Sequeira, who is prosecuting the Jason Warren case for Humboldt County started his opening remarks, "Dorothy Evelyn Ulrich, 47 years old, married, husband Tim Ulrich Sr, homemaker from Hoopa, three adult children. Suzanne Seemann, married, husband Hank, two children. These Humboldt County women didn't know each other and had no connection in life. In the early morning hours of September 27, they would be horribly connected in death."◼ Jury hears graphic audio of Dorothy Ulrichs last words as Jason Warren tells her to be quiet while whacking sounds are heard - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/4/15
"You are going to take the journey how law enforcement came to investigate this case."
"The video IDs him as the killer, the audio IDs him as the killer, the fibers ID him as the killer, the glass IDs him as the killer, the DNA IDs him as the killer."◼ Attorneys Spar Over Evidence Before Warren’s Health Forces Early Recess in Double-Murder Case - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/4/15
Mendocino Assistant DA Paul Sequeira presented a very powerful opening statement this morning. After Judge Timothy Cissna had read the charges, Mr. Sequeira started off with the morning of September 27, 2012, the discovery of the bodies of Suzanne Seemann and injured bodies of Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman Little detailing events how investigation led to Jason Warren's arrest later that day around 5 p.m.
11/3/15
◼ Jury Hears Audio of Dorothy Ulrich’s Violent Death on First Day of Warren Trial - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/3/15
11/2/15
◼ Jury selection in Warren complete, opening statements tomorrow morning - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/2/15
◼ Jury Selection Wraps Up in Warren Case; Opening Arguments Set for Tuesday Morning - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 11/2/15
10/29/15
◼ Jason Warren’s Attorney Takes Exhaustive Approach in Jury Selection Process - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 10/29/15
10/27/15
◼ Judge Warns Potential Jurors About ‘Graphic, Disturbing Evidence’ in Jason Warren Case - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 10/27/15
◼ Jury selection in Warren complete, opening statements tomorrow morning
9/30/15 (and earlier):
◼ Jury Selection in Warren Case Reveals That Many Presume Guilt - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Sept. 30, 2015
◼ Guilty until proven innocent? Potential juror mentions (Chiv's) post as TS article - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ ...jurors questioned for hardship in Warren jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Jason Warren trial starts, to go full days, jury selection starts this afternoon - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
◼ Jason Warren Trial Begins (September 28), Could Run Into First Week of December - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Two Double-Murder Trials Begin - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
For the first time in recent memory, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is in the process of simultaneously trying separate double-murder cases.
Prosecutors gave opening arguments Sept. 24 in the case against Jason Michael Arreaga, the 30-year-old Lucerne man with a violent past who stands accused of gunning down Harley Hammers and Angel Tully in front of a Fieldbrook home last fall. Then, four days later, special prosecutor Paul Sequeira began the process of selecting a jury to hear the case against Jason Anthony Warren, who is accused of murdering Dorothy Ulrich and Suzanne Seemann in 2012.
Jury selection may take awhile in the Warren case, which will see full days of trial testimony and is expected to stretch into December. Meanwhile, the Arreaga case, which is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Zach Curtis, is expected to conclude by early November.
ANOTHER SHOOTING (UPDATED)
◼ Steven Upton and victim knew each other, victim's injuries are not life threatening - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/13/15 11:07
◼ Steven Upton in custody for E Street shooting last night - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ E Street Shooting Suspect in Custody, Eureka Police Say - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Woman Shot Multiple Times on E Street in Eureka; Suspect Remains At Large - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ A woman is taken away by ambulance at a reported shooting on E Street in Eureka tonight. - Times-Standard
This was not a random act of violence. Upton and the victim know each other, however the exact motive for the shooting is still unknown.◼ Steven Upton arrested early hours this morning, located in Trinity County - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/13/15 9:25
The victim was treated at St. Joseph Hospital for two gunshot wounds. One to the leg and one to her hand. She was flown to an out of the area hospital due to her injuries. Her injuries are not expected to be life threatening.
◼ Steven Upton in custody for E Street shooting last night - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ E Street Shooting Suspect in Custody, Eureka Police Say - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Woman Shot Multiple Times on E Street in Eureka; Suspect Remains At Large - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
Eureka Police Captain Brian Stephens says officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired and arrived to find a female with multiple gunshot wounds. She was conscious and speaking when emergency personnel arrived. She was transported to St. Joseph Hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time.◼ Steven Upton being sought in E street shooting same guy who refused to testify in the Bodhi Tree case - John Chiv/Words Worth
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Steven Nicholas Upton, a white male age 26 who was last seen running south on foot.
◼ A woman is taken away by ambulance at a reported shooting on E Street in Eureka tonight. - Times-Standard
Friday, November 06, 2015
Six counts, three felonies and three misdemeanors are alleged in this case for each co-defendant
◼ Roscoe Littlefield and Timothy Littlefield charged in a seven co-defendant case involving marijuana cultivation, timber operations without a license and 4 other counts - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Littlefield Sr, has been featured on Pot Cops.... He also lost a lawsuit against Humboldt County and the Court of appeals ruled that the seizure and destruction of over1,500 pounds of marijuana was lawful....
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
At least we won't have to waste money on a trial
◼ Autopsy conducted at 1 p.m. for Killian Shane O'Quinn, suspect involved in Nov 1 shooting of CHP officer - John Chiv/Words Worth
The suspect, who died after shooting CHP officer Steve Curtis, is 20 years old, had a 45 caliber semi-automatic Springfield Armory pistol...
Chief Mills said the green sedan involved in the November 1 incident was driving erratically, forcing people off the road. Officer Curtis recognized the five occupants in the green sedan. After the car "rested on the curb", Officer Curtis walked over and talked to O'Quinn. Asked him to step out of the vehicle, which is standard procedure, said Chief Mills. "O'Quinn pivoted his feet to the ground and mumbled something like, I'm about to have a bad day." Chief Mills said Officer Curtis had to tell him to step out of the car three or four times. O'Quinn pulled a gun out of his waistband, "broke away from the Officer's grip" and shot the officer in the upper right thigh.
◼ Officer, Deceased Suspect From Sunday Afternoon Eureka Shootout Named in Press Conference This Afternoon - LoCo
The deceased, Killian O’Quinn, 20, of Eureka, is believed to have suddenly opened fire on the CHP officer following a routine traffic stop near the intersection. After he was shot in the leg, the officer was able to draw his own gun and return fire, killing his attacker. He then held four other people in the car at gunpoint until backup arrived.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
More homicides to enter into the long list...
◼ A man was stabbed to death at a Valley East apartment complex tonight. Second homicide in as many days. - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Humboldt County or Homicide Central? Locations just a year ago I felt safe walking at night - John Chiv/Word Worth
◼ HOMICIDE IN EUREKA: Two victims in Watson street shooring, one dead, other expected to survive - John Chiv/Word Worth
◼ Homicide in Eureka; One Person Dead, Another Injured Following Shooting Near F and 15th - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Residents Near Last Night’s Homicide Found Bullet Holes in Apartment This Morning - Kym Kemp/RedHeaded Blackbelt
◼ Man shot dead in Eureka; another victim arrives at hospital - Mad River Union
A 52-year-old man was stabbed to death at an apartment complex off Giuntoli Lane, Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman has confirmed.◼ HOMICIDE IN ARCATA - Kym Kemp/RedHeaded Blackbelt
In a brief conversation a few moments ago, Chapman told the Outpost that police were called to the complex at about 6:30 p.m. tonight for a report of a man bleeding on a walkway outside the complex. When officers arrived, they found that the man appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds. Police attempted lifesaving measures and an ambulance transported him to Mad River Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
◼ Humboldt County or Homicide Central? Locations just a year ago I felt safe walking at night - John Chiv/Word Worth
◼ HOMICIDE IN EUREKA: Two victims in Watson street shooring, one dead, other expected to survive - John Chiv/Word Worth
On 10/24/15, at about 9:55 PM, Eureka Police Department officers responded to the report of shots fired in the vicinity of F and Watson Streets. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male victim in the street with an apparent gunshot wound.◼ Eureka Police Provide Info on Last Night’s Homicide - Lost Coast Outpost
The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Officers subsequently learned, after he arrived at the hospital on his own, another male had also been shot, possibly during the same incident. He is expected to survive.
@SWatsonEPD Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be related to last month's gang involved shooting at nearby Hammond Park.
— Steve Watson (@SWatsonEPD) October 25, 2015◼ Homicide in Eureka; One Person Dead, Another Injured Following Shooting Near F and 15th - Lost Coast Outpost
An officer at the scene tells the Outpost’s Andrew Goff that one person has been detained. A car was seen fleeing the scene. EPD Chief Andrew Mills is currently at the scene, and confirms to the Outpost’s Andrew Goff that one of the victims has expired.◼ One man is dead and another was wounded possibly during the same shooting in Eureka near F and Watson Streets on Saturday night. - Times-Standard
Scanner traffic indicates City Ambulance is responding to a gunshot victim with injuries to the left side of their chest in the vicinity of G and 15th in Eureka.◼ A shooting in Eureka and Redheaded Blackbelt was on the scene soon after. - Kym Kemp/RedHeaded Blackbelt
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: ONE DEAD, ONE INJURED IN LAST NIGHT’S SHOOTING IN EUREKA◼ Victim Had Pocketknife in His Hand, Says Witness to Saturday Night’s Homicide - Kym Kemp/RedHeaded Blackbelt
◼ Residents Near Last Night’s Homicide Found Bullet Holes in Apartment This Morning - Kym Kemp/RedHeaded Blackbelt
◼ Man shot dead in Eureka; another victim arrives at hospital - Mad River Union
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Shoe leather on-the-spot reporting... real life scoops
It's a little thing, by John's own account, but this is what makes his reporting different than the others.
It's more than press-releases, scanner traffic...
◼ Man arrested last night maybe the one who tried to break into Advanced Cellular and the Empire last night at 9 p.m. - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Both Advanced Cellular and NorCalBonds have him on video. I was in the Advanced Cellular store moments ago when EPD officer Ben Omey was taking a police report and watching the video. I also saw the video....
◼ Police at the Scene of Suspected Commercial Burglary in Downtown Eureka - Lost Coast Outpost
It's more than press-releases, scanner traffic...
◼ Man arrested last night maybe the one who tried to break into Advanced Cellular and the Empire last night at 9 p.m. - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Both Advanced Cellular and NorCalBonds have him on video. I was in the Advanced Cellular store moments ago when EPD officer Ben Omey was taking a police report and watching the video. I also saw the video....
◼ Police at the Scene of Suspected Commercial Burglary in Downtown Eureka - Lost Coast Outpost
Friday, October 23, 2015
Not surprised. Arreaga, hung jury (Updated and bumped)
UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
◼ Angel Tully's sister makes a statement on the outcome of today's trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 23, 2015
◼ Hung Jury in Trial of Fieldbrook Homicide Suspect; Case Scheduled to be Retried in December - Hank Sims/LoCo
◼ First question by jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 2o, 2015
◼ Jury deliberations start in Fieldbrook double homicide case - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 19, 2015
◼ "But I don't have to prove every little fact. I don't have to prove Shavonne Hammers and Jerry Bachus spoke the truth." - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 19, 2015
◼ "Police do get the wrong guy", "How does a person get arrested for a crime they did not commit? " What physical evidence shows that Mr. Arreaga pulled the trigger? - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ "I don't think this is an implied malice case, it's express malice case" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ "Before you consider Shavonne Hammers testimony against the defendant, you must decide if she is an accomplice to the crime. Did she aid, participate or abet in a criminal conspiracy? - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ It was the best of closing arguments, it was the worst of closing arguments, Arreaga's attorney magnificent in today's closing - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ Defense rests in Arreaga case, closing arguments scheduled for Friday - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 14, 2015
(auto spell keeps trying to respell his name)
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
◼ Angel Tully's sister makes a statement on the outcome of today's trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 23, 2015
◼ Hung Jury in Trial of Fieldbrook Homicide Suspect; Case Scheduled to be Retried in December - Hank Sims/LoCo
Multiple news agencies and courthouse blogger John Chiv are reporting that Jason Arreaga, named suspect in the September 2014 murder of Harley Hammers and Angel Tulley, will have to be tried again, after a jury today was unable to reach unanimity.◼ Arreaga jury asks for testimony readback, third full day of deliberation follows the same pattern - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 22, 2015
◼ Hung jury in Fieldbrook double murder trial - Times-Standard.
◼ Hung jury in Arreaga case - Mad River Union.
Handing a major setback to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, the jury was unable to reach the unanimous decision required to convict double murder suspect Jason Michael Arreaga, 30, of Lucerne in Lake County.◼ Jury deadlocks in Fieldbrook double homicide, 9 guilty, 3 not guilty, new trial date December 14 - John Chiv/Words Worth
After some 15 hours of secret deliberations, the hung jury was split on its second and final ballot, nine (guilty) to three (not guilty) when it stood down Oct. 23.
Dressed in grey khakis and a white shirt, once he heard the final outcome of the case, Jason Arreaga took off his glasses and looked shocked, then anxious.
After, they had been discharged, the jury foreperson told the defense investigator that the witness testimonies were conflicting. When Judge Miles had asked him in court, how the Court could assist in any way with further deliberations so they could reach an unanimous verdict, he responded, "Other than witnesses and more evidence."
The Tully and Hammers families did not wish to comment at this time, Hammers' cousin Irene said "please keep the family in prayers."
Both the Hammers and Tully family members and friends have been in the courtroom every day and have been on the second floor waiting for the verdict every day.◼ Second question by Arreaga jury has attorneys in courtroom for an hour - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 21, 2015
◼ First question by jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 2o, 2015
◼ Jury deliberations start in Fieldbrook double homicide case - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 19, 2015
◼ "But I don't have to prove every little fact. I don't have to prove Shavonne Hammers and Jerry Bachus spoke the truth." - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 19, 2015
◼ "Police do get the wrong guy", "How does a person get arrested for a crime they did not commit? " What physical evidence shows that Mr. Arreaga pulled the trigger? - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ "I don't think this is an implied malice case, it's express malice case" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ "Before you consider Shavonne Hammers testimony against the defendant, you must decide if she is an accomplice to the crime. Did she aid, participate or abet in a criminal conspiracy? - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ It was the best of closing arguments, it was the worst of closing arguments, Arreaga's attorney magnificent in today's closing - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 16, 2015
◼ Defense rests in Arreaga case, closing arguments scheduled for Friday - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 14, 2015
(auto spell keeps trying to respell his name)
The murder trial everyone forgot (June 19, 2013 TO NOW)
◼ Jury trial starts for Eureka man charged with "willful, deliberate, premeditated" murder of Mckinleyville man in 2013 - John Chiv/Words Worth
Jury selection is currently going on in Courtroom 1 for Michael Youravish, a Eureka man was arrested in 2013 for the "willful, deliberate and premeditate" murder of Forrest Croft Lovejoy. There is also a special allegation of "killing while lying in wait."
The murder allegedly occurred in the "Baldy area" of Mckinleyville. The death penalty had been considered for the case.
PREVIOUSLY: Friday, May 16, 2014
◼ Another murder: Prosecutors Weighing Death Penalty in Murder Case
◼ The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office is still in the process of deciding whether to pursue the death penalty against a 22-year-old man accused of brutally stabbing a man to death in a wooded area outside of McKinleyville last year. - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
Jury selection is currently going on in Courtroom 1 for Michael Youravish, a Eureka man was arrested in 2013 for the "willful, deliberate and premeditate" murder of Forrest Croft Lovejoy. There is also a special allegation of "killing while lying in wait."
The murder allegedly occurred in the "Baldy area" of Mckinleyville. The death penalty had been considered for the case.
PREVIOUSLY: Friday, May 16, 2014
◼ Another murder: Prosecutors Weighing Death Penalty in Murder Case
◼ The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office is still in the process of deciding whether to pursue the death penalty against a 22-year-old man accused of brutally stabbing a man to death in a wooded area outside of McKinleyville last year. - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
Police arrested Michael Raymond Youravish June 19, 2013, hours after finding the body of Forrest Croft Lovejoy, 33, dead of multiple stab wounds to the neck, chest and abdomen on a foot trail north of C Avenue in McKinleyville. Youravish has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of murder and denied a special allegation that he laid in wait....
During a two-day preliminary hearing this week, new details about the case emerged, including that Youravish allegedly had someone take a video recording of the attack with his cell phone and bragged about the killing....
Thursday, October 15, 2015
SHAME ON YOU, NORTH COAST JOURNAL.
Richard Salzman is a liar. The North Coast Journal won an award exposing his Web Of Lies, remember? SHAME ON YOU, NORTH COAST JOURNAL, for allowing the fevered figments of his imagination to taint the election process once again. SHAME ON YOU. It demeans your publication. I am embarrassed for you. You should, at the very least add a disclaimer to his letters when you let them litter your pages.
Monday, October 12, 2015
TWO INCIDENTS: CRESCENT CITY AND SO HUM
◼ Crescent City "bomb package" was a "duffle bag full of clothing" - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH
◼ "From what I know and I cannot discuss at the moment but the two incidents do not appear to be linked" - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH
◼ "It turned out to be a liquid with no explosive capabilities"; CHP arrests man who planted device in Sohum for terroristic threats
◼ "From what I know and I cannot discuss at the moment but the two incidents do not appear to be linked" - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH
the man arrested in the Sohum incident was taken to Sempervirens, "that is unconfirmed."◼ Bomb squad on scene in Crescent City, will x-ray bag and then "determine the best couse to deal with http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/10/bomb-squad-on-scene-in-crescent-city.html situation"
"I am very grateful that this did not turn out to be a bomb," said Supervisor Fennell. "It was very concerning for me due to the safety of the firefighters who we rely on greatly and also for the safety of the neighborhood."
◼ "It turned out to be a liquid with no explosive capabilities"; CHP arrests man who planted device in Sohum for terroristic threats
Undersheriff William Honsal. CHP was notified that "a subject had planted a device on CAL Fire property on Alderpoint Road. Bomb techs responded. It turned out to be a liquid with no explosive capabilities."◼ [UPDATE 11:45 A.M. ‘SUSPICIOUS DEVICE’ CONTAINED NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS] BOMB THREAT AT CAL FIRE STATION CLOSES ALDERPOINT ROAD - KYM KEMP
Undersheriff Honsal said that "for safety, the package was exploded in place and evidence collected. It was a homemade package made to look like a bomb."
According to Denton Carrick of Humboldt County Public Works, a Southern Humboldt resident has been taken to Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility after telling emergency services that an explosive device had been placed “underneath the Smokey Bear” near the Cal Fire station near Garberville.
Monday, October 05, 2015
Finally some information on the Arreaga murders with UPDATES
UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
* Edited to correct the spelling of Chavonne Hammers' name.
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016
Up till now, next to nothing has been known about the reason for the double murder... the usual stories didn't surface. Finally, some answers. And from the sound of it, this is about to get much more interesting, as well as sickening and disheartening.
◼ Arrega's ex girlfriend (Carly Michaels) takes the stand; as she testifies Arreaga puts his head down - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ HCSO detectives and Coroner testify in Arreaga trial on day 3 - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
◼ Two Double-Murder Trials Begin - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
◼ As deputies described finding the victims, the sobbing and pain of the loved ones in the courtroom brought home the loss more than any testimony could - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 26, 2015
◼ "We need you to tell the truth" and ""You understand that this is a murder trial. You are one of the main witnesses." - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 26, 2015
◼ On cross examination, Chavonne Hammers get tripped up by defense and questions about motives arise - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
Chavonne Hammers said she did not remember telling Angel Tully that "if she did not back off from her boyfriend and her kids, bad things would happen?"
◼ "She started coughing and blood started coming out of her mouth, she started gurgling." - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
Before Chavonne Hammers, the People's first witness, started her testimony yesterday in the Jason Arreaga case, Deputy District Attorney Zack Curtis showed her a copy of the immunity agreement she had signed on Wednesday, September 23....
◼ A press release shows Chavonne Hammers did not tell the complete truth about the McDonald incident and Harley Hammers - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
... Chavonne Hammers...Carly Michaels...Jason Arreaga (the accused)...Gary Backues...Angie Ehlers...Harley Hammers (victim)...Angel Tully (victim)...
◼ Open and shut case or reasonable doubt? Two very convincing opening arguments in Fieldbrook double homicide jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 24, 2015
◼ Arrega's ex girlfriend (Carly Michaels) takes the stand; as she testifies Arreaga puts his head down - John Chiv/Words Worth
There were some key moments in her testimony such as her saying that she heard two pops inside the trailer at the time Shavonne Hammers was inside. That she heard Arreaga shout "Don't go in there, my girl is in there." And that Shavonne Hammers thanked Arreaga for shooting Harley Hammers, her husband.◼ Blood trail found leading near one of the victims in Arreaga case; possible gunpowder residue on Tully's back - John Chiv/Words Worth
Michaels did not witness who shot Harley Hammers and Angel Tully.
◼ HCSO detectives and Coroner testify in Arreaga trial on day 3 - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
 |
| Jason Michael Arreaga |
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| HCSO photo via LoCo |
For the first time in recent memory, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is in the process of simultaneously trying separate double-murder cases.
Prosecutors gave opening arguments Sept. 24 in the case against Jason Michael Arreaga, the 30-year-old Lucerne man with a violent past who stands accused of gunning down Harley Hammers and Angel Tully in front of a Fieldbrook home last fall. Then, four days later, special prosecutor Paul Sequeira began the process of selecting a jury to hear the case against Jason Anthony Warren, who is accused of murdering Dorothy Ulrich and Suzanne Seemann in 2012.
Jury selection may take awhile in the Warren case, which will see full days of trial testimony and is expected to stretch into December. Meanwhile, the Arreaga case, which is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Zach Curtis, is expected to conclude by early November.
◼ As deputies described finding the victims, the sobbing and pain of the loved ones in the courtroom brought home the loss more than any testimony could - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 26, 2015
◼ "We need you to tell the truth" and ""You understand that this is a murder trial. You are one of the main witnesses." - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 26, 2015
◼ On cross examination, Chavonne Hammers get tripped up by defense and questions about motives arise - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
Chavonne Hammers said she did not remember telling Angel Tully that "if she did not back off from her boyfriend and her kids, bad things would happen?"
◼ "She started coughing and blood started coming out of her mouth, she started gurgling." - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
Before Chavonne Hammers, the People's first witness, started her testimony yesterday in the Jason Arreaga case, Deputy District Attorney Zack Curtis showed her a copy of the immunity agreement she had signed on Wednesday, September 23....
◼ A press release shows Chavonne Hammers did not tell the complete truth about the McDonald incident and Harley Hammers - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 25, 2015
In her testimony yesterday in the Arrega case, Chavonne Hammers said she left Harley Hammers after he let her get arrested in the McDonald parking lot for a stolen vehicle.◼ Harley Hammers is upset with Mr. Arreaga; Ms. Tully is upset with Chavonne Hammers. Somewhere in there they start to advance towards Mr. Arreaga, he shoots Angel Tully in the chest and he shoots her again." - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 24, 2015
To paraphrase her, these were not her exact words, but she basically insiniuated he let her take the rap.
According to the press release, Harley Hammers was also arrested....
Related ◼ Home Broken into Multiple Times—Property Including BMW Stolen
... Chavonne Hammers...Carly Michaels...Jason Arreaga (the accused)...Gary Backues...Angie Ehlers...Harley Hammers (victim)...Angel Tully (victim)...
◼ Open and shut case or reasonable doubt? Two very convincing opening arguments in Fieldbrook double homicide jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 24, 2015
Both sides agree on many of the facts and the basic version leading up to the double homicide; the difference being that the People hope to show that the evidence points to Arreaga as the man who murdered Harley Hammers and Angel Tully but the defense raises questions about other suspects, their motives, in particular the People's first and key witness today, Chavonne Hammers....◼ HUMBOLDT JUSTICE WITH JOHN CHIV: OPENING STATEMENTS IN THE TRIAL OF JASON ARREAGA FOR DOUBLE HOMICIDE - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt
"Mr. Arreaga is an easy person to blame in this case. He is an outsider and a large man." (Defense atty Ms. Holmquist said)
"By all accounts this was supposed to be a quick road trip, see the Humboldt Redwoods, do a favor for a neighbor. It resulted in Mr. Arreaga becoming intertwined in the Humboldt underworld and being arrested for a double homicide."
* Edited to correct the spelling of Chavonne Hammers' name.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
BULLOCK, postponed to February
◼ Gary Lee Bullock trial reset for February 8 due to psychiatrist reports not being in - John Chiv/Words Worth
Trial confirmation and and a motion to continue the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial was scheduled for this afternoon at 4 p.m.
The People have not filed an opposition.
Mr. Kaleb Cockrum represents Bullock. Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads was present for the People.
Only Dr. Ana Glezer submitted her report. Dr. Chamberlain has to yet meet with Bullock. The third expert excused himself.
Fr. Eric's twin sister was in court. She expressed her objections... More, HERE.
◼ Bullock Trial for Murder of Father Freed Postponed Until February - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
Father Freed's sister urged the court to go ahead with the trial so her family could find peace.
Trial confirmation and and a motion to continue the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial was scheduled for this afternoon at 4 p.m.
The People have not filed an opposition.
Mr. Kaleb Cockrum represents Bullock. Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads was present for the People.
Only Dr. Ana Glezer submitted her report. Dr. Chamberlain has to yet meet with Bullock. The third expert excused himself.
Fr. Eric's twin sister was in court. She expressed her objections... More, HERE.
◼ Bullock Trial for Murder of Father Freed Postponed Until February - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
Father Freed's sister urged the court to go ahead with the trial so her family could find peace.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Who Knew?
◼ There's a Dating Site Just for People Who Love Tiny Houses
◼ Big Turnout for Tiny Homes - Linda Stansberry/NCJ
◼ Big Turnout for Tiny Homes - Linda Stansberry/NCJ
The Jason Warren Trial - at long last
To be updated
◼ Jury Selection in Warren Case Reveals That Many Presume Guilt - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Sept. 30, 2015
◼ Guilty until proven innocent? Potential juror mentions (Chiv's) post as TS article - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ ...jurors questioned for hardship in Warren jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Jason Warren trial starts, to go full days, jury selection starts this afternoon - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
◼ Jason Warren Trial Begins (September 28), Could Run Into First Week of December - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Two Double-Murder Trials Begin - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
◼ Jury Selection in Warren Case Reveals That Many Presume Guilt - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Sept. 30, 2015
◼ Guilty until proven innocent? Potential juror mentions (Chiv's) post as TS article - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ ...jurors questioned for hardship in Warren jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Jason Warren trial starts, to go full days, jury selection starts this afternoon - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 28, 2015
◼ Jason Warren Trial Begins (September 28), Could Run Into First Week of December - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Two Double-Murder Trials Begin - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
For the first time in recent memory, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is in the process of simultaneously trying separate double-murder cases.
Prosecutors gave opening arguments Sept. 24 in the case against Jason Michael Arreaga, the 30-year-old Lucerne man with a violent past who stands accused of gunning down Harley Hammers and Angel Tully in front of a Fieldbrook home last fall. Then, four days later, special prosecutor Paul Sequeira began the process of selecting a jury to hear the case against Jason Anthony Warren, who is accused of murdering Dorothy Ulrich and Suzanne Seemann in 2012.
Jury selection may take awhile in the Warren case, which will see full days of trial testimony and is expected to stretch into December. Meanwhile, the Arreaga case, which is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Zach Curtis, is expected to conclude by early November.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Warren Dodges again.
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| Times-Standard photo |
It's hard to tell what's going on, because, for one thing, there's a gag order in the case and no one is talking.
◼ Jason Warren has asked to be excused from the courtroom every time since Dorothy Ulrich's mother has been in court - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 23, 2015
◼ Jason Warren jury trial estimated to last until mid December, thanksgiving week off, some full days - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 23, 2015
Today, a trial confirmation hearing was scheduled for the Jason Warren case at 4 p.m. He was served with a copy of a document by the People in court today, before he left. Alternate Conflict Counsel's Mr. Glenn Brown is representing Warren in the Hoopa case where is charged with the homicide of Dorothy Ulrich.
If the case gets assigned Friday, it will start Monday in Courtroom 4. While the case has been assigned to Judge Timothy Cissna for trial, the decision if it will definitely start on September 28 depends on how trial assignment goes this Friday. As Judge Cissna explained, "there maybe other higher priority cases."
It all depends on courtroom availability....
Schedules, witness list and the gag order and freedom of the press was discussed this afternoon.
Time estimate including jury selection is 8 to 10 weeks. Trial is expected to be over by mid-December. The proposed schedule is Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to noon; Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 to 4 or 4:30 and every other Friday.
Due to court holidays, the trial will not be in session on October 12, November 11, November 26 and November 27....
The jury trial is scheduled for September 28 with a jury panel scheduled for September 29.
Mr. Kevin Robinson from the Public Defender's office is representing Warren in the Eureka case in which he is also charged with the death of Suzanne Seeman and attempted murder of severely injuring two other joggers who were with her. Mr. Robinson has not been present for the last three hearings since the case going to trial is the one in which (Alternate Conflict Counsel's Mr. Glenn Brown) is representing Warren.
Mr. Paul Sequeira, Assistant DA from Mendocino County, is a special prosecutor for this case. He asked Judge Cissna for specifics of the gag order which was issued before he took the case. Ms. Fleming also mentioned it was a general gag order and wanted some clarification. Both have received questions from the press. Judge Cissna responded with no comment. - DETAILS, and some humor, at the link.
◼ Warren murder trial expected to start next week - Will Houston/Times-Standard (image source)
After nearly three years of pretrial hearings, the double murder trial against Jason Anthony Warren, 31, is now likely to proceed into jury selection at the start of next week, according to Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy P. Cissna during a Wednesday afternoon hearing.
While Cissna was officially assigned on Tuesday to hear the trial, the case must still be assigned out to a courtroom, which is set to occur Friday morning.
“I don’t know whether it will get assigned out or not,” Cissna told the attorneys in his courtroom. “... If it is assigned out, we should be ready to proceed on Monday.”
...The trial is estimated to last eight to 10 weeks, including jury selection, if it follows the schedule agreed upon by attorneys and Cissna. Cissna said this schedule would have the trial finished “well before Christmas.”
But due to factors such as the length of the witness list, past media coverage of the case, the length of the trial, and the fact that the trial would occur around the holiday season, Warren’s attorney Glenn Brown of the county Alternate Counsel’s Office said selecting jurors may take much longer than anticipated.
“It’s just an unknown at this point,” Brown said.
◼ Warren facing one trial for two murder charges - Paul Mann/Mad River Union/July 8, 2015
Public Defender Kevin S. Robinson lost his recent motion for separate proceedings in connection with Warren’s alleged beating death of Dorothy Evelyn Ulrich, 47, of Hoopa in the early morning of Sept. 27, 2013; and the alleged vehicular murder shortly thereafter of Humboldt State University geography instructor Suzanne Seemann, mother of two, on Old Arcata Road/Myrtle Avenue, Eureka.
Warren is accused of deliberately running down Seeman and her two jogging companions, Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman-Little. He allegedly plowed into them in a silver 2005 Kia Spectra he is alleged to have stolen from Ulrich. Both Hunt and Vroman-Little were gravely injured but survived.
Warren is to be prosecuted on four counts, one for Ulrich and counts two, three and four for the other three victims.
Gallegos let him out on a Cruz Waiver, to 'get his affairs in order. That decision cost two people their lives.
Agony for the families: ◼ Family members of the victims in the Jason Warren request Judicial Council action after they learn no Judge has been assigned and there may be another postponement - John Chiv/Words Worth Aug 22, 2015
◼ At long last: Jason Warren trial has a Judge and jury panel to start Sept 29 - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 17, 2015
◼ Jason Warren Asks to Leave Courtroom; Jury Selection For Murder Trial Set to Begin Sept. 29 - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Attorneys discuss Warren case scheduling concerns - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard
◼ Jason Warren pretrial hearing continued due to court oopsie moment - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 16, 2015
◼ Warren pretrial hearing continued to Thursday - Times-Standard Sep 16, 2015
◼ Judge unable to accept Warren murder case assignment - Times-Standard
◼ Warren case reassigned to new judge; trial pushed to Sept. 28 - Times-Standard
◼ Judge Marilyn Miles assigned to Warren murder case - Times-Standard
◼ Letter: Waiting for justice in Warren’s murder trial - Times-Standard
◼ Jason Warren jury trial status to be continued until tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. - John Chiv/Words Worth Sep 1, 2015
◼ Victim's family members not in court, neither was Jason Warren or his other attorney, Mr. Kevin Robinson. - John Chiv/Words Worth Aug 31, 2015
◼ District Attorney Maggie Fleming is prosecuting this case - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Warren case written ruling on 995 motion to dismiss decision on April 9 - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ In Warren case oral arguments, Robinson goes off on wierd analogy of Malaysian aircraft - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Assault on victim in Willow Creek aggravating victim's medical condition - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Vincent Sanchez arrested in double murder homicide on Harris - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ A Capital Question: A May trial could bring the death penalty debate to the foreground in the DA race - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal
◼ Death Penalty in Warren case that may be dismissed but Tree gets a pass, what is Paul's thought process? - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ There were supposed to be oral arguments in the Jason Warren case today. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ He is being held to answer on two counts of murder, two counts of attempted pre-meditated murder, and two special allegation charges for lying in wait and torture. If convicted he could receive the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. - KIEM (Video report, not embeddable)
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal
◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard
◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye
◼ Who is Jason Anthony Warren? - Two Rivers Tribune