Friday, June 02, 2017

Watching this case... Justice doesn't mean stringing a suspect up on the nearest tree

Actually not so much the case as the shit-show that has emerged in its aftermath.

The short story is a HSU college student was stabbed/killed at a late night party. A local kid was arrested for and then charged with the murder.
Mad River Union: 19-year-old David Josiah Lawson, a student at Humboldt State University, was later pronounced dead at the Mad River Hospital as a result of the stab wounds.

23-year-old Kyle Christopher Zoellner, of Mckinleyville, was arrested at the scene for homicide. Zoellner was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for PC 187 - Homicide.
The judge found that there was not enough evidence to support going to trial, for example, the accused's finger prints do not match the prints on the knife.... and charges were dismissed.

And THEN, the shit-show began in earnest.

The accused is white, the deceased was black. Friends of the deceased have decided to make it all about race, and have taken to smearing an entire community over their imagined characterizations.

And they've taken to trying to silence those reporting on the court proceedings.

They want their Baltimore moment. They want the accused strung up by a tree and hanged by the neck until dead, evidence or no. It would make them feel better. The concept of innocent until proven guilty means nothing.

One of those parties, Tina Sampay (aka Slauson Girl, aka Mary Machiavelli), has a blog and is writing about the proceedings, and her opinions about all of it. She has also been commenting on local sites covering the case, she is vitriolic, aggressive, demeaning, and filled with hate. Her ignorance of this area and the people here is deep and profound, and she is not interested in learning, or seeing any of the good. She has gone so far as to try taking John Chiv to court for something - a restraining order? apparently in order to stop him from reporting things she does not agree with. All while claiming to be a journalism major (from HSU)

The purpose here is simply to provide links to ALL of the coverage of the case, including hers. Much like cases we've covered before, it'll be one place where you can find all links to all the coverage. If I miss any you can let me know.

Once-regular readers know this blog is now dormant - but this is important.

Much remains to be discovered, 100 or so kids at the party, possibly many witnesses not interviewed, now gone home for the summer since school is out for the summer, people not cooperating even when they were here, lots of cop-hatred and suspicion of police.

Everyone wants to get to the bottom of it - no one wants a murderer walking around loose. Neither do we want an innocent kid going to prison for something he didn't do. Everyone has enormous sympathy for the family of the victim, And for the accused and his family, as it turns out.

The rush to judgement by some public officials in the early days following the shooting was something to behold. The willingness to buy into the race-based narrative is very sad. IN particular, HSU's actions only fueled the flames. My opinion.

The D.A. (Thank God it's Maggie Flemming now and not Paul Gallegos) points out that any future charges will hinge on available evidence.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Mad River Union points out -
Information about the stabbing can be submitted to investigators at the Arcata Police Department, (707) 822-2428, the District Attorney’s Office, (707) 445-7411, or to Lawson’s attorney, Justin Sanders, at (213) 426-5000, ext. 1000.

COVERAGE:

Lost Coast Outpost:

Initial reports:

HSU Student Fatally Stabbed in Arcata with UPDATE - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 15, 2017
President Rossbacher Addresses Fatal Stabbing of HSU Student: ‘This Tragedy is Heartbreaking for All of Us’ - John Ross Ferrara/LoCo April 15, 2017
APD: McKinleyville Resident Arrested in Connection to Stabbing Death of HSU Teen - John Ross Ferrara/LoCo April 15, 2017
Fatally-Stabbed HSU Student Named in GoFundMe Page Created to Cover Family’s Funeral Expenses - John Ross Ferrara/LoCo April 16, 2017
Jail Records Reveal Name of Suspect in Fatal Arcata Stabbing - Hank Sims/LoCo April 17, 2017
Arcata Police Seeking Witnesses to HSU Student’s Stabbing Death - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 17, 2017
Slain HSU Student to be Remembered at Prayer Service Tonight, Vigil on Thursday - Andrew Goff/LoCo April 18, 2017
Arcata Police Receive Anonymous Email Detailing Specifics of Arcata Homicide, Beg Author to Come Forward; Suspect Officially Named - Andrew Goff/LoCo April 18, 2017
‘He Was the One’: Josiah Lawson, Humboldt State Student and President of Brothers United, Remembered at Campus Prayer Service - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 19, 2017
Zoellner Pleads Not Guilty to Arcata Stabbing Murder; Bail Set at $1 Million - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 19, 2017
United by Tragedy, HSU Community Celebrates the Life and Mourns the Death of David Josiah Lawson - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 21, 2017
Supervisors Vote to Fine-Tune Civil Rights & Diversity Resolution - Ryan Burns/LoCo April 25, 2017
‘It Should Not Have Happened’: Friend of Arcata Murder Victim Believes Racism Delayed the Emergency Medical Response That Could Have Saved His Life - Paul Mann/LoCo May 1. 2017

Preliminary Hearing:

ARCATA MURDER HEARING: First Witnesses Cast Doubt on Whether the Police Department’s Suspect Could Have Stabbed Victim; More Testimony Coming Tomorrow - Rhonda Parker/LoCo May 1, 2017
ARCATA MURDER HEARING: Witness Testifies That Lawson and Zoellner Were Grappling as the Victim Bled; Police Officer Describes Chaotic Crime Scene - Rhonda Parker/LoCo May 3, 2017
ARCATA MURDER HEARING: Friends Testify on ‘Girl Fight’ Between Lawson and Zoellner’s Girlfriends Prior to Fatal Stabbing - Rhonda Parker/LoCo May 3, 2017
ARCATA MURDER HEARING: More Testimony on the Knife Found at the Scene; Lawson’s Friend Testifies He Saw Zoellner Drop Something Shiny - Rhonda Parker/LoCo May 4, 2017
Judge Dismisses Case Against Kyle Zoellner, McKinleyville Man Arrested in Stabbing Death of HSU Student David Josiah Lawson - Hank Sims/LoCo May 5, 2017

Aftermath:

Arcata’s Police Chief, Vice Mayor React to Zoellner Hearing Ruling - Andrew Goff/LoCo May 5.2017
ARCATA MURDER HEARING: Kyle Zoellner to Be Released After Judge Reinholtsen Rules Not Enough Evidence to Hold Him For Stabbing Death of Josiah Lawson - Rhonda Parker/LoCo May 5, 2017
HSU Faculty, UPD, Brothers United Participate in Radio Town Hall on Lawson Case Tonight; Arcata Mayor Releases Statement; HSU Walk Out Planned Tuesday - Andrew Goff/LoCo May 8, 2017
(PHOTOS/VIDEO) After Busy Week, Family and Friends of Josiah Lawson Still Seeking Justice - Andrew Goff/LoCo May 12, 2017
Josiah Lawson’s Mother Offers $10k Reward for Information Leading to the Conviction of Son’s Killer - Andrew Goff/LoCo May 18, 2017

John Chiv/Words Worth:

Initial reports:

Off duty APD police officer stabbed to death last night? Followup indicates HSU student stabbed - John Chiv/Words Worth April 15, 2017 9:09 AM
23 year old Mckinleyville resident arrested for alleged stabbing of HSU student - John Chiv/Words Worth April 15, 2017 11:20 AM

HSU asking students who may have information about the death of DJ Lawson to contact APD asap - John Chiv/Words Worth April 17, 2017 11:20 AM
Kyle Zoellner bail set at one million dollars; still in custody - John Chiv/Words Worth April 17, 2017 11:35 AM

Humboldt DA has police report on Arcata off campus stabbing; no charges against Kyle Zoellner yet - John Chiv/Words Worth April 18, 2017 11:03 AM
APD implores the person who sent anonymous email with specifics of assault on Lawson to come forward - John Chiv/Words Worth April 18, 2017 4:16 PM
"Kyle kicked a female for a reason that he didn't know, and the victim along with 3 or 4 of his friends responded by jumping him to the point they were kicking him in the face, so Kyle took out a knife and started swinging in an attempt to stop them." - John Chiv/Words Worth April 18, 2017 10:06 PM

If charges are filed againt Kyle Zoellner, it will be a last minute thing
DA complaint charges Kyle Zoellner with murder and special allegation of using a knife - John Chiv/Words Worth April 19, 2017 1:58 PM
DA complaint charges Kyle Zoellner with murder and special allegation of using a knife - John Chiv/Words Worth April 19, 2017

Looks like Kyle Zoellner preliminary is on for Monday - John Chiv/Words Worth April 27, 2017

Deputy DA Roger Rees has been assigned the preliminary for Kyle Zoellner; his co prosecutor will be DDA Jessica Watson - John Chiv/Words Worth April 28, 2017

Preliminary Hearing:

May 1:

"A woman ran out of the cul de sac and said someone got stabbed" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 12:06 PM
Kyle Zoellner's preliminary starts same day as Lawson's funeral; both sides respectful in court except for 4 Lawson supporters - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 12:30 PM
"U're leaking bro", second People's witness testifies seeing David Josiah Lawson bleeding - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 3:08 PM
"I hope that guy dies" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 7:21 PM
"What did you do to them? Our eyes are burning?" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 7:21 PM
Murder, voluntary manslaughter or self defense? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2017 8:54 PM

May 2:

A hostile crowd yells "Fuck the Police" while APD is trying to adminster life saving efforts on Josiah - John Chiv/Words Worth May 2, 2017 12:27 PM
If the fingerprint and fibers do not match, you must acquit; Kyle Zoellner not a match - John Chiv/Words Worth May 2, 2017 3:06 PM
Josiah's friend and members of Brothers United testifies that Josiah had Kyle in a headlock - John Chiv/Words Worth May 2, 2017 4:59 PM

May 3:

Courtroom observers or fueling the fire? Read Tina Sampay's own words - John Chiv/Words Worth May 3, 2017 8:07 AM
Deputy Public Defenders representing Kyle Zoellner doing an outstanding job; prosecution job made harder by key witnesses speaking to media - John Chiv/Words Worth May 3, 2017 12:55 PM
"Oh shit, he has a knife"; a member of Brothers United kicked out , he thinks "because of the events on April 15" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 3, 2017 6:16 PM

May 4:

Key testimony this morning in Zoellner preliminary from Elijah Chandler and APD officer who collected the knife found on scene - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 12:19 PM
Elijah Chandler stares down Zoellner in court; says he did not state court testimony to Detectives due to lack of trust - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 12:54 PM
APD officer does not remember wearing gloves; describes knife found on scene as "kitchen knife" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 1:07 PM
"It was not Kyle who stabbed the victim; that Kyle never had a knife." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 5:57 PM
"Regrettably, I wrote the name Zoellner"; Det Losey admits error; Lawson cause of death "stab wound to chest" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 6:10 PM
" He said he'd rather take a beating than stab somebody." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 7:07 PM
Will there be Justice for Josiah? If not, these people should be ready to accept some of the blame - John Chiv/Words Worth May 4, 2017 10:28 PM

May 5:

Zoellner's paring knife that was allegedly missing after APD searches the knife bag last night, again - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 10:02 AM
People and defense rest, ruling on Zoellner case at 2 pm today - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 11:19 AM
"Each witness has slightly different vantage but we think we can piece together enough for probable cause" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 11:54 AM
"We have been in this hearing for five days and there hasn't been a single bit of evidence that Mr. Zoellner had a knife and even stabbed anybody." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 12:01 PM
Complaint against Kyle Zoellner dismissed; not held to answer on charges - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 2:25 PM

Aftermath:

Submitted a complaint against this guy who just snapped a photo of me after ruling on Zoellner case on 2nd floor, then says this to me outside on 4th Street - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 2:59 PM
"The result of the preliminary hearing does not change the vigor in which we will continue to pursue this case. The men and women of the Arcata Police Department are committed to justice for Josiah" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017 4:32 PM
DA keeps investigation open on Lawson case; future charges will be determined by available evidence - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017
Justice for Josiah being held at the Arcata Plaza tonight? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2017

Maybe these photos will explain why the Justice for Josiah participants did not want to be filmed? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 6, 2017 8:32 AM
Is Vice Mayor Pereira, HSU or APD going to do anything about the cowards threatening Kyle, Naiya, me and others? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 6, 2017 10:44 AM
"If this happened anywhere else they would burn this muthafucka up they so lucky we so small numbers and schools about to let out" (Tina Sampay) - John Chiv/Words Worth May 6, 2017 6:16 PM

APD and the DA's office should get craigslist to turn the name over of the idiot who posted this - John Chiv/Words Worth May 7, 2017 10:00 AM
"Baelani! The world is watching you Humboldt #Justice4Josiah" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 7, 2017 11:55 AM
Thanks Slauson Girl for more good documentation on your true colors and material for possible legal action - John Chiv/Words Worth May 7, 2017 1:36 PM

Is Brothers United still a HSU club? Has there been any fall out after the Spear Avenue party testimony in court? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 8, 2017 12:06 PM

Jay Zoellners asks APD : "Was Renalyn Bobadillo stabbed at the party and if so by whom? " - John Chiv/Words Worth May 10, 2017 7:10 AM
Flyer urges people to call DA to subpoena Tina Sampay's phone - John Chiv/Words Worth May 10, 2017 10:15 PM

Lawson's family meets with DA, will return at 4; will there be another protest or rioting? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 11, 2017

Josiah's family and the community deserve answers & justice despite the actions of Elijah Chandler, HSU, most BU members and protestors - John Chiv/Words Worth May 12, 2017 5:16 PM

Why was this Justice for Josiah poster up before the complaint against Kyle Zoellner was dismissed? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 12, 2017 7:56 PM

Arcata dad alleges "I was assaulted by Lawson, Chandler, Bobodilla and others January 16 this year. I filed a police report at the time, but learned the identity of my assailants as a result of media coverage of the stabbing." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2017 8:03 PM

"I can confirm a police report was filed on January 16 and the reporting person subsequently followed up with us over the weekend. " - John Chiv/Words Worth May 15, 2017

So supportive people are defined as Elijah Chandler, Tina Sampay, and others still claiming this was a racially based crime without evidence and still maligning this community? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 18, 2017
Is healing a community repeatedly claiming the death of David Josiah Lawson was racially charged crime without any evidence supporting that claim, so far - John Chiv/Words Worth May 18, 2017 6:45 AM
"If the APD does not arrest and charge Parris Wright and the Castillo brothers immediately for “assault and battery” on Kyle we plan press charges to compel the APD to perform their duties in a responsible manner. " - John Chiv/Words Worth May 18, 2017 8:08 PM

David Josiah Lawson's father reacts to Zoellner family statement of possibly pressing charges - John Chiv/Words Worth May 19, 2017 10:37 AM
"Our intentions are not and will not minimize the death of your son and we will not even try to attempt to feel what heart break you and your wife must be experiencing" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 19, 2017 6:56 PM

" I think LOCO comment section sheds a lot of light into why Josiah was killed by one of YALL LOCALS. You guys are intolerant, racist and ignorant ..." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 28, 2017
NOTE: And here you have, in the comments... ***
Mary Machavelli May 29, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Seeing as we have a court date tomorrow chiv, for this type of behavior of you stalking and harrasing me online when I am doing a public service FOR FREE and you still wont stop, is sickening. It is ok as i am prepared to go to the fullest extent of the law in pursuing you and your antics. Stop posting lies about me or our time in court will not be over anytime soon. It is a shame yall are this OLD and have no sense of judgement or "journalism" ethics. What ever platform you have here for people to attack me means nothing because I know what I am doing is way more important than wasting time to slander someone. See you at court tomorrow. 2:00 p.m #ChivsDayInCourt #WontBeTheLast slow news day??

The investigation for David Josiah Lawson's case remains open and active - John Chiv/Words Worth May 30, 2017

Mad River Union:

Initial reports:

Police seek witnesses to Saturday’s fatal Arcata stabbing - Mad River Union April 17, 2017
HSU Community comes together to remember slain student and support family - Humboldt State April 18, 2017
Arcata Police Dept. receives anonymous email from stabbing witness - Arcata Police April 18, 2017
APD received an anonymous email from someone who may have witnessed the homicide. The email detailed specifics of the assault. The APD implores the author of the email to come forward and provide a statement to investigators. An anonymous email cannot be used as evidence.
A Celebration of Life for David Josiah Lawson - Humboldt State April 19, 2017
Accused stabber charged with murder, pleads not guilty - Mad River Union April 19, 2017
Mack Town murder suspect admits to fist fight with slain HSU student - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 21, 2017
Arcata’s vice-mayor deplores racism’s role in killing - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 24, 2017
HSU mourns slain student’s vibrant life - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 26, 2017
Easter killing in Arcata inflames racial tensions - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 26, 2017
Eyewitness alleges police, EMT racism - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 26, 2017
Pepper spray victim in fatal mêlée - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 26, 2017
Zoellner’s family denying he murdered HSU student - Paul Mann/Mad River Union April 27, 2017
Letters to the Editor: Lauraine Leblanc, arbara Brimlow - May 3, 2017
A closer look at the party where David Josiah Lawson died - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 4, 2017

Preliminary Hearing and Aftermath:

Charges dismissed against suspect in fatal stabbing - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 5, 2017
Public Safety group engulfed in Lawson killingKevin L. Hoover Mad River Union May 5, 2017
Lawson case: Harsh words, sudden fight started it all - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 8, 2017
House party turned to tragedy in minutes - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 11, 2017
What’s next for Lawson case - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 11, 2017
Fatal stabbing a Rubik’s Cube of riddles - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 11, 2017
Slain HSU student’s mother offers $10,000 reward - Paul Mann/Mad River Union May 18, 2017
Letters to the Editor: Susan Ornelas, Jay Zoellner - May 17, 2017

North Coast Journal:

Initial reports:

HSU Student Fatally Stabbed Amid House Party Fist Fight - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ April 15/2017
Witnesses Sought in Fatal Arcata Stabbing - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ April 17/2017
APD Seeks 'Valuable' Witness to Fatal Stabbing, Releases More Information - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ April 18/2017
Not Guilty Plea Entered in Fatal Stabbing of 19-Year-Old HSU Student - KIMBERLY WEAR/NCJ April 19, 2017
Community Gathers to Mourn Slain HSU Student - SAM ARMANINO/NCJ APR 21, 2017
#JusticeforJosiah | Slideshows - Mark McKenna/NCJ Apr 21, 2017
What Now? Two men, 20 minutes and the fracture in Arcata - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ May 4/2017

Preliminary Hearing:

Judge Dismisses Murder Charge in Slaying of HSU Student - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ May 5/2017

Aftermath:

Peaceful Protest in Arcata Demands 'Justice for Josiah' - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ May 6, 2017
Tensions Escalate During Saturday Protest in Arcata - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ May 7, 2017
Lawson's Mom Announces $10K Reward, Issues Emotional Plea to Witnesses - Thadeus Greenson/NCJ May 19, 2017

Times-Standard:

(adding links, check back)
HSU student, 19, fatally stabbed in Arcata
Arcata police seek witnesses in fatal stabbing
Mom of fatal stabbing victim worried suspect will be freed
Police: Anonymous email details stabbing, author asked to come forward
Vigil scheduled for HSU student killed in weekend stabbing
Arcata stabbing suspect pleads not guilty
Stabbing victim’s life honored at HSU vigil
Arcata police: Stabbing suspect admitted to fighting with victim
Zoellner to appear for scheduled preliminary hearing
Stabbing suspect’s uncle questions narrative in local media
Girlfriend, friends detail fight at Arcata party
#9724; HSU grants posthumous certificate to David Josiah Lawson
Brothers detail initial confrontation in Arcata fatal stabbing
Police: Zoellner denies role in fatal stabbing
Update: Officials promise justice after judge rules out trial in Arcata stabbing case
Arcata protests held after judge’s ruling in homicide case
When a memorial becomes a march
Arcata mayor: ‘The city wants justice for Josiah’
Hundreds hold campus walkout at HSU
Protesters gather at courthouse seeking #justiceforJosiah
Family of slain HSU student offers $10K reward for information

Tina Sampay AKA Slauson Girl AKA Mary Machiavelli:

https://www.slausongirl.com/ Ms. Sampay's Blog
Kyle Zoellner Pleads Not Guilty In Humboldt State University Student Murder Case - Slauson Girl April 19, 2017
City of Arcata Says They Failed Humboldt State Students of Color Following Murder of David Lawson - Slauson Girl April 23, 2017
Murder Suspect Kyle Zoellner Arrested For Meth Possession In 2013 - Slauson Girl April 28, 2017
New Details Emerge During Preliminary Hearing For Kyle Zoellner In Humboldt State Student's Murder - Slauson Girl Msy 2, 2017

Aftermath (NOTE: much of her activity/commentary shows up on Facebook, see some of John Chiv's posts):

Do Black Lives Matter In The Face of White Privilege? - Slauson Girl May 9, 2017
All Charges Against Kyle Zoellner Dropped In The Murder of David Josiah Lawson - Slauson Girl May 9, 2017
Why I Decided To Cover The Murder of Humboldt State University Student David Josiah Lawson - Slauson Girl May 19, 2017
Who is Angelica McFarland And Why Wasn't She Brought To Testify In The Murder of David Josiah Lawson? - Slauson Girl May 29, 2017
Eyewitness Accounts of Those Brought To Testify In The Murder Case of David Josiah Lawson: Day 1 - Slauson Girl May 29, 2017
Eyewitness Accounts of Those Brought To Testify In The Murder Case of David Josiah Lawson: Day 2 - Slauson Girl May 29, 2017

*** Mary Machiavelli is Tina Sampay
NOTE the EXTENSIVE coverage of this case. Multiple papers and online news sites. Daily, and even hourly updates.
Comments remain closed, I'm not interested in fielding responses. This is just a list of the coverage, sprinkled with some commentary about attacks on reporters, and on a community which did nothing to deserve that.