For the record

◼ Benjamin Carter jury trial date moved a week; People's offer clarified by DA Maggie Fleming in court - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 2, 2015

In response to this post ... ◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/07/people-make-offer-of-four-years-to-be.html, District Attorney Maggie Fleming told me today today's trial assignment calendar was called, that misinformation had been provided regarding the People's offer and that she wanted to correct the information.

On record in court, Ms. Fleming told the Judge that there has been "no other offer" made in the defense case. The People's offer "has always been that Mr. Carter plead to the remaining count and admit the prior strike and a six year term."

For detailed coverage and followup on cases that make headlines and cases that don't... ◼ BOOKMARK John Chiv's Blog. The attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses and juries, the day to day goings on in the courtrooms, it's all there. One of the more interesting blogs in Humboldt County, and well worth your time.

The murder charge has already been dismissed.

◼ People make offer of four years to be served at eighty percent in Carter case - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 1, 2015

Earlier: Defense offer at time of trial confirmation was to stipulate to the upper term and to "strike prior strike",and "to serve 3 years at fifty percent" Mr. Michael Acosta told me outside court. Mr. Acosta is representing Carter.

◼ Benjamin Carter jury trial date moved a week; People's offer clarified by DA Maggie Fleming in court - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 2, 2015

For detailed coverage and followup on cases that make headlines and cases that don't...

◼ BOOKMARK John Chiv's Blog

Benjamin Jasper Carter:
◼ This just in, defense stay for Benjamin Carter trial denied by appellate court - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

The request for a stay of trial is denied.

◼ Benjamin Carter dates,remain set, defense offer made for upper term - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/24/15

Silverio Sanchez:
◼ 995 motion for former fugitive Silverio Sanchez to be heard by Visiting Judge - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Rodney Ortiz:
◼ Defense withdraws motion to continue for Vincent Ortiz - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Vincent Ortiz:
◼ Defense withdraws motion to continue for Vincent Ortiz - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Vicoria Clark:
◼ Arcata plaza stabbing suspect Vicoria Clark accepts plea, kisses her younger boo (Frewuent Flyer David Dues) in celebration - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Phoenix Campbell-Loya:
◼ Phoenix Campbell jury sends Judge note for readback of testimony - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ "You don't want to get stabbed"; "You don't want to mess" - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ People rest, defense presents no witnesses, closing arguments today and Campbell case goes to jury - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ Both defense and prosecution duel well in Campbell trial; defense makes dent in victim's credibility - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ "I was letting Isiah hit it;" "I will shank you bro" - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ "As jurors your job is to see if the facts fit with the crime"; "The evidence in this case will not be enough to show Mr. Campbell committed this crime." - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ Opening arguments start in alleged fight and stabbing incident at the Arcata Community Center - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

◼ Rio dell police officer Harralson posted bail, hires private attorney, case moved Courtroom 5, jury trial anticipated - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ Rio Dell police officer charged with battery on his child's mother and exhibiting a firearm, arraignment tomorrow - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

Jeremy Kish:
◼ It's time for the weekly, let me fire my lawyer again Jeremy Kish show; evaluation rules him competent to stand trial, for now - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

A report from Dr. Ramirez was due this afternoon at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 2 regarding Jeremy Kish, the arson suspect for the crime committed at the former Alliance Market location in Arcata.

Dr. Ramirez's report basically ruled him competent to stand trial

Kayla Brown:
◼ Miss Hoopa charged with alleged sexual abuse of female minor finally retains two private attorneys - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/24/15

◼ Murphy's Market grand theft embezzlement suspect finally shows up for court, given one more chance, - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Will there even be a case left to try?

◼ Murder charge dismissed, bail reduced, now Benjamin Carter's attorney files appeal to stay jury trial and challenges order adding new allegations; will there even be a case left to try? - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/31/15

I suppose it can be argued that he was protecting himself, and others.

Fourth Scoop In A Row

◼ Exclusive remarks from Benjamin Carter's attorney and the entire text of the 995 motion that got the murder charge dismissed against Carter - John Chiv/Words Worth May 16, 2015

Mr. Acosta has literally pulled a miracle for Benjamin Carter. On the lam, Carter called LOCO instead of his own defense attorney. Carter is lucky that he is not facing murder charges. The preliminary hearing was prosecuted by DDA Luke Brownfield and this was under the previous administration.... Details, at Chiv's Blog

◼ Benjamin Carter withdraws time waiver, does not accept offer, jury trial set for July 6 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 15, 2015

Pre trial (will be) June 1 at 2 p.m. Trial Confirmation June 24 at 2 p.m.

Bombshell in the Benjamin Carter case: Murder charge DISMISSED

◼ Benjamin Carter's bail reduction hearing doesn't go his way, he does not accept People's offer yet - John Chiv/Words Worth May 14, 2015

Mr. Acosta requested the case go over one day.

◼ Judge grants 995 motion in Benjamin Carter for Count 1, murder charge dismissed - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015

Judge Feeney said as to Count 2, the People are asking to reopen briefly to introduce evidence that the defendant is a felon with unlawful possession of a firearm."

...There is an offer by the People in Count 2. DDA Andrew Isaac said today that if the "defendant plead to Count 2, admitted to that strike, he could move on."

If Carter accepts it and pleads, he could get up to six years

◼ Now that defense won the 995 motion in the Benjamin Carter case, can they file and win a Romero motion for Count 2 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015

◼ MURDER CHARGES AGAINST BEN CARTER DROPPED TODAY - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt

Carter was on the run from law enforcement for several weeks during which he contacted this reporter saying he acted in self-defense when he shot Chapman. ◼ HOMICIDE SUSPECT ON THE RUN GIVES THE OUTPOST HIS SIDE OF THE STORY - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt May 4, 2014

BACKGROUND:

◼ Benjamin Carter's bail reduction hearing doesn't go his way, he does not accept People's offer yet - John Chiv/Words Worth May 14, 2015

Mr. Acosta requested the case go over one day.

◼ Bombshell in the Benjamin Carter case: Murder charge DISMISSED: Judge grants 995 motion in Benjamin Carter for Count 1 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015
◼ Now that defense won the 995 motion in the Benjamin Carter case, can they file and win a Romero motion for Count 2 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015
◼ MURDER CHARGES AGAINST BEN CARTER DROPPED TODAY - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt

Carter was on the run from law enforcement for several weeks during which he contacted this reporter saying he acted in self-defense when he shot Chapman. ◼ HOMICIDE SUSPECT ON THE RUN GIVES THE OUTPOST HIS SIDE OF THE STORY - Kym Kemp/Redheaded Blackbelt May 4, 2014

◼ Benjamin Carter new trial date of April 27; defense filed demurred to Count 2 and request of dismissal - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Jury trial dates were expected to be set today. Instead, (Carter's defense attorney) Mr. Acosta told Judge John Feeney that he had spoken to (DDA) Mr. Brownfield before court and the case is close to resolution. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ "The body has been cremated so there is nothing left to analyze"; Benjamin Carter So Hum murder suspect hearing continued due to possible change of counsel from DA's office. - John Chiv/Words Worth 1/6/15
◼ So Hum suspect Benjamin Carter, who called LOCO, instead of his defense attorney Michael Acosta when he was on the lam will have to wait for his jury trial to be scheduled. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/first-witness-testifies-in-preliminary.html
◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/benjamin-carter-jury-trial-set-for.html
◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-work-for-defense-as-prosecution.html
◼ Benjamin Carter's sister-in law, Margaret Bitter, was the first witness to testify for the People this morning in a preliminary hearing held in Courtroom 4. - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14
◼ Witness in Carter case appointed lawyer; defense has not had chance to question - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14
◼ How to work for the defense as a prosecution witness; starring Benjamin Carter's sister-in-law - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14
◼ Homicide Suspect Ben Carter Returned to Humboldt County Jail - Kym Kemp/Loco 6/2/14
◼ Man Allegedly Tries to Run Over Ex Near Scene of April Homicide - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/26/14
◼ US Marshals Say Homicide Suspect Benjamin Carter Member of White Supremacy Gang - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/14/14
◼ [UPDATED w/Information About Arrest—Found at Residence of Former SoHum Woman] Homicide Suspect Ben Carter Arrested in Arizona - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/13/14
◼ Homicide Suspect on the Run Gives the Outpost His Side of the Story - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/4/14
◼ $1.25 Million Arrest Warrant Bail Set for SoHum Homicide Suspect - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/25/14
◼ Southern Humboldt Homicide Story Clarified by HCSO - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/21/14
◼ Body Reportedly Found West of Garberville - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/19/14
◼ (UPDATE) Wanted for Questioning in Homicide: Benjamin Carter - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/1914
◼ Law Enforcement Looking for Homicide Suspect in Southern Humboldt - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/1814

Another murder case trial date set

◼ Benjamin Carter new trial date of April 27; defense filed demurred to Count 2 and request of dismissal - John Chiv/Words Worth

Today was the trial Confirmation hearing for Benjamin Carter. Michael Acosta represents Carter. Mr. Andrew Isaac is prosecuting for the People.... Benjamin Carter, is charged with Count 1 murder. Count 2 is possession of a firearm. Two firearm enhancement allegations were added for both counts and a special allegation of prior and serious felony conviction. He is the suspect in the murder of Zachery Chapman.
__________________
As noted earlier, things are moving instead of languishing forever.

Benjamin Carter case close to resolution

◼ Jury trial dates were expected to be set today. Instead, (Carter's defense attorney) Mr. Acosta told Judge John Feeney that he had spoken to (DDA) Mr. Brownfield before court and the case is close to resolution. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Whoa! Coverage!

UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016

◼ Fieldbrook double murder suspect in court, February trial date set - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

A man and woman were also in the car with Arreaga when he was pulled over on U.S. Highway 101 at the Singley Hill offramp in Loleta a few hours after the shootings. Multiple attempts to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office regarding any investigation into the two individuals were not immediately returned.

◼ Trial setting in fatal shooting delayed - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

The setting of Benjamin Jasper Carter’s murder trial date was continued until next week during a Monday hearing at the Humboldt County Courthouse due to a possible change in prosecutors....

Deputy District Attorney Luke Brownfield told presiding Judge John T. Feeney that a possible change in prosecutors could take place before the trial. Along with that, Brownfield said that they were “still talking about possible resolutions.”

◼ Jury selection in Rancho Sequoia murder trial to begin Jan. 12 - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

Matthew Aaron Brown, 30, is accused of fatally shooting 49-year-old Neil Decker on July 18 over a personal property dispute. He has pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder with two special allegations — the intentional use of a firearm and the use of a firearm that caused great bodily injury or death.

◼ "The body has been cremated so there is nothing left to analyze"; Benjamin Carter So Hum murder suspect hearing continued due to possible change of counsel from DA's office. - John Chiv/Words Worth

DDA Luke Brownfield told Judge John Feeney that there would be a possible change of counsel. He alluded to his change of assignment. With Maggie Fleming being sworn in today as Humboldt's new District Attorney, that news does not come as a surprise.

◼ Alderpoint murder suspect Matthew Brown spares us theatrics today while his jury trial date is confirmed. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Fieldbrook double murder suspect jury trial set for February 23. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Five Six Seven major murder cases pending

UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016

And who are the prosecutors...?

1. Bullock - pending
2. Warren
3. Limmie-Curry
4. Ferrar (set for April 6, has had various prosecutors)
5. Carter
6. Arreaga
7. Brown

Who is handling these cases. This isn't the kind of thing you pick up the file and walk into court...

Then there's the Littlefield case, a very complicated case, the default appeal expires Thursday.

◼ Dec 17 will be a busy day with several high profile homicide cases and status overlapping - John Chiv/Words Worth

Tomorrow morning, there is the preliminary examination scheduled for Jason Arreaga, the suspect in the Fieldbrook homicide and at the same time there is a preliminary hearing for Jason Armstrong, the suspect in the Redway murder.

In the afternoon, there is a pre trial hearing Gary Lee Bullock who is charged with the murder of Fr. Eric Freed and trial confirmation for murder suspect Matthew Brown in one courtroom and at the same time a motion hearing and disposition reset hearing for Arcata murder suspect Juan Ferrer in Courtroom Four....

◼ ...I don't know who will prosecute the Bullock case but I hope that the DA's office thinks carefully about that decision.... - John Chiv/Words Worth

(Three Jason's: Jason Anthony Warren, Jason Armstrong, Jason Arreaga)

◼ And then there's the Matthew Brown case Matthew Brown murder case jury trial delayed a week - John Chiv/Words Worth

Disposition/reset hearing postponed again for Sohum murder suspect Benjamin Carter; defense wants "further examination of victim's body"

◼ So Hum suspect Benjamin Carter, who called LOCO, instead of his defense attorney Michael Acosta when he was on the lam will have to wait for his jury trial to be scheduled. - John Chiv/Words Worth

A disposition/reset hearing has been set for January 5 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1. DDA Roger Rees represented the People today.

◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/first-witness-testifies-in-preliminary.html
◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/benjamin-carter-jury-trial-set-for.html
◼ http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-work-for-defense-as-prosecution.html

Another high profile jury trial continued; Benjamin Carter discovery leads to motion to continue

◼ On October 20, three jury trials were scheduled. Timothy Littlefield, Benjamin Carter and Vincent Sanchez. - John Chiv/Words Worth

First witness testifies in preliminary hearing for Benjamin Carter who called LOCO instead of his defense attorney

◼ Benjamin Carter's sister-in law, Margaret Bitter, was the first witness to testify for the People this morning in a preliminary hearing held in Courtroom 4. - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14

The preliminary that started mid-morning may continue tomorrow. DDA Luke Brownfield is prosecuting the case with Detective Franco assigned as lead investigator. Michael Acosta represents Carter who was in court this morning in an orange jumpsuit.

Carter is the fugitive who called LOCO to tell his story while on the run from law enforcement...

◼ Witness in Carter case appointed lawyer; defense has not had chance to question - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14

◼ How to work for the defense as a prosecution witness; starring Benjamin Carter's sister-in-law - JOHN CHIV/WORDS WORTH 8/12/14

This morning Margaret Bitter testified at the preliminary hearing for Benjamin Carter. There are two other posts and this one is just an excerpt of her testimony this morning.

Fortunately for her, the Judge appointed her a lawyer before she got deeper into her testimony....

PREVIOUSLY:

◼ Homicide Suspect Ben Carter Returned to Humboldt County Jail - Kym Kemp/Loco 6/2/14

◼ Man Allegedly Tries to Run Over Ex Near Scene of April Homicide - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/26/14
◼ US Marshals Say Homicide Suspect Benjamin Carter Member of White Supremacy Gang - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/14/14
◼ [UPDATED w/Information About Arrest—Found at Residence of Former SoHum Woman] Homicide Suspect Ben Carter Arrested in Arizona - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/13/14
◼ Homicide Suspect on the Run Gives the Outpost His Side of the Story - Kym Kemp/Loco 5/4/14
◼ $1.25 Million Arrest Warrant Bail Set for SoHum Homicide Suspect - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/25/14
◼ Southern Humboldt Homicide Story Clarified by HCSO - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/21/14
◼ Body Reportedly Found West of Garberville - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/19/14
◼ (UPDATE) Wanted for Questioning in Homicide: Benjamin Carter - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/1914
◼ Law Enforcement Looking for Homicide Suspect in Southern Humboldt - Kym Kemp/Loco 4/1814