◼ Murder charge dropped against Flores; defendant released in Royal Inn stabbing case - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
William Flores was scheduled to appear in Humboldt County Superior Court for a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to hold him to stand trial on a charge that he fatally stabbed Eureka resident Joshua Burrell, 33, but prosecutors dropped the murder charge and a special allegation that the slaying was carried out in association with a criminal street gang.
”We got some information based on further investigation that has us looking at some additional suspects,” prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Élan Firpo said. “I think we should wait until we have some more information before we proceed. The cleanest thing to do at this time is to dismiss and, if need be, refile (the case) at a later time.”
Showing posts with label Flores. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flores. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Friday, January 14, 2011
Out
◼ Driver in 2008 fatal crash out on parole; Anthony Flores released 27 months after crash that killed 9-year-old girl
Anthony Marques Flores, 21, of Eureka, was released from state custody Jan. 12, a little more than one year after being sentenced to serve a total of three years in a plea agreement with prosecutors....
Reached Thursday, Nicole's father, Kenneth Quigley, declined to comment other than to say Flores' being paroled “is a perfect example of everything that's wrong with Humboldt County and the state of California.”
How many more is it going to take?
Meanwhile - the DA's Office is melting down. There's no one left driving the bus.
Anthony Marques Flores, 21, of Eureka, was released from state custody Jan. 12, a little more than one year after being sentenced to serve a total of three years in a plea agreement with prosecutors....
Reached Thursday, Nicole's father, Kenneth Quigley, declined to comment other than to say Flores' being paroled “is a perfect example of everything that's wrong with Humboldt County and the state of California.”
How many more is it going to take?
Meanwhile - the DA's Office is melting down. There's no one left driving the bus.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
If this doesn't say it all...
I don't know what does:
I read Mr. Gallegos recent article in the Arcata Eye. Here is a man that says he needs a third term as Humboldt County District Attorney to finish what he started. That is a scary statement, especially if you are one of the victims of his incompetence.
I had the unfortunate opportunity of watching Mr. Gallegos try to prosecute what was suppose to be a murder case in Humboldt County Court. This man is no more a prosecutor than I am a brain surgeon. Mr. Gallegos was always late to court, could not answer any of the judge’s questions and always had the excuse that he did not have the case file with him.
The court-appointed, taxpayer-provided attorney for the defense made Mr. Gallegos look like a deer caught in the headlights and virtually kicked Mr. Gallegos’ butt all over the courtroom.
Some say that Mr. Gallegos needs to leave the courtroom to his deputies and administrate but he has proven that he cannot do this either. The morning that the preliminary hearing was to begin, Mr. Gallegos dropped the case into one of his deputy’s lap, and sent her into the courtroom late and totally unprepared.
After the preliminary hearing, Mr. Gallegos felt that with all of the publicity that this case was getting he could get some personal mileage out of handling the case himself, so he takes it away from the deputy after she spends day and night for a week getting up to speed.
After months of delays from the defense, numerous blunders from the prosecution and thousands of Humboldt County taxpayer dollars Mr. Gallegos decides he cannot prevail in the courtroom in front of a jury, so he plea bargains with the two who took my little girl’s life.
Mr. Gallegos then gives the file to one of his most talented prosecutors so she can go to the victim’s family and try to clean up the mess he made.
Mr. Gallegos did not show up for the sentencing hearing for Jason Whitmill or Anthony Flores which is a good thing because when Mr. Gallegos prosecuted Jason Whitmill back in 2007, he forgot to add his prior felonies which in turn allowed Whitmill out of prison a year early and 12 days before he killed Nicole Quigley.
I will remember this come June’s election and I hope and pray that everyone else in Humboldt County does, too.
Kenneth Quigley
McKinleyville
◼ Letters to the Editor – March 3, 2010 (Updated to include Feb. 24 letters) - Arcata Eye
In response to ◼ The McKinleyville Press ◼ The Arcata Eye - Gallegos: ‘Vast Change’ is a work in progress – February 17, 2010 ◼ The Independent
I read Mr. Gallegos recent article in the Arcata Eye. Here is a man that says he needs a third term as Humboldt County District Attorney to finish what he started. That is a scary statement, especially if you are one of the victims of his incompetence.
I had the unfortunate opportunity of watching Mr. Gallegos try to prosecute what was suppose to be a murder case in Humboldt County Court. This man is no more a prosecutor than I am a brain surgeon. Mr. Gallegos was always late to court, could not answer any of the judge’s questions and always had the excuse that he did not have the case file with him.
The court-appointed, taxpayer-provided attorney for the defense made Mr. Gallegos look like a deer caught in the headlights and virtually kicked Mr. Gallegos’ butt all over the courtroom.
Some say that Mr. Gallegos needs to leave the courtroom to his deputies and administrate but he has proven that he cannot do this either. The morning that the preliminary hearing was to begin, Mr. Gallegos dropped the case into one of his deputy’s lap, and sent her into the courtroom late and totally unprepared.
After the preliminary hearing, Mr. Gallegos felt that with all of the publicity that this case was getting he could get some personal mileage out of handling the case himself, so he takes it away from the deputy after she spends day and night for a week getting up to speed.
After months of delays from the defense, numerous blunders from the prosecution and thousands of Humboldt County taxpayer dollars Mr. Gallegos decides he cannot prevail in the courtroom in front of a jury, so he plea bargains with the two who took my little girl’s life.
Mr. Gallegos then gives the file to one of his most talented prosecutors so she can go to the victim’s family and try to clean up the mess he made.
Mr. Gallegos did not show up for the sentencing hearing for Jason Whitmill or Anthony Flores which is a good thing because when Mr. Gallegos prosecuted Jason Whitmill back in 2007, he forgot to add his prior felonies which in turn allowed Whitmill out of prison a year early and 12 days before he killed Nicole Quigley.
I will remember this come June’s election and I hope and pray that everyone else in Humboldt County does, too.
Kenneth Quigley
McKinleyville
◼ Letters to the Editor – March 3, 2010 (Updated to include Feb. 24 letters) - Arcata Eye
In response to ◼ The McKinleyville Press ◼ The Arcata Eye - Gallegos: ‘Vast Change’ is a work in progress – February 17, 2010 ◼ The Independent
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Whitmill back in court Friday over transfer delay
◼ Whitmill back in court Friday over transfer delay
Jason Whitmill, whose street race with another man ended with the death of a 9-year-old girl last year, was back in court Friday, one week after he was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison.
A judge granted a request by Whitmill, 32, to delay being sent to the California Department of Corrections. His attorney asked that he remain in the Humboldt County jail for 60 days to finalize a divorce.
Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat asked Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen to cancel the delay during the Friday hearing.
”No such divorce is in progress,” Keat said.
Whitmill's attorney, Glenn Brown, said he was “at a loss for words” and that a divorce was indeed in progress.
Brown said his client does not have the best access to the family courts and papers while in custody and argued that taxpayers would end up paying for Whitmill to be transported back from prison to Humboldt County to complete his divorce.
”He's here,” Brown said. “It makes no sense to bring him up and down the highway.”
Reinholtsen said he'd consider the matter, giving no future date for a ruling on it....
Jason Whitmill, whose street race with another man ended with the death of a 9-year-old girl last year, was back in court Friday, one week after he was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison.
A judge granted a request by Whitmill, 32, to delay being sent to the California Department of Corrections. His attorney asked that he remain in the Humboldt County jail for 60 days to finalize a divorce.
Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat asked Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen to cancel the delay during the Friday hearing.
”No such divorce is in progress,” Keat said.
Whitmill's attorney, Glenn Brown, said he was “at a loss for words” and that a divorce was indeed in progress.
Brown said his client does not have the best access to the family courts and papers while in custody and argued that taxpayers would end up paying for Whitmill to be transported back from prison to Humboldt County to complete his divorce.
”He's here,” Brown said. “It makes no sense to bring him up and down the highway.”
Reinholtsen said he'd consider the matter, giving no future date for a ruling on it....
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thank You, TS
◼ Quigley family addresses court at Whitmill, Flores sentencing 'I WILL NEVER FORGET HER'
After Friday's hearing, Ken Quigley expressed frustration at the way the case was handled by District Attorney Paul Gallegos. He charged that Gallegos was unprepared for court appearances, twice dropped it in the lap of unprepared deputy district attorneys and generally handled it in an unprofessional manner.
"Had this case been handled from the beginning by someone with the experience of Maggie Fleming, it would have had a much different outcome," Ken Quigley said. "I'm not here to knock people, but I'm very disappointed with the way Mr. Gallegos handled this case. Next year can't come soon enough. It is an election year, isn't it?"
Gallegos told the TimesStandard in a previous interview that the case was handled properly from start to finish.
In addressing the court, Nicole's uncle, Mike Quigley, said complaining about the sentence won't do any good. Instead, he vented anger at the defendants and a criminal justice system that released Whitmill from custody less than two weeks before the crash.
"In a just world, none of us would be here because he wouldn't have been on the streets," he said, before turning his attention to both defendants. "You killed a 9year-old girl and neither one of you are man enough to stand up and take responsibility for it. God bless my beautiful niece and her mom and dad and sister, and God damn both of you."
◼ Whitmill, Flores sentenced while victim's family, friends look on
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal
Ken Quigley, father of Nicole Quigley, attended nearly every court appearance by Whitmill and Flores with many family members and friends. He expressed frustration that the District Attorney's Office never discussed the plea bargain with him or his family.
”We didn't find out until yesterday afternoon, late, that this was even in the works,” Quigley said on Friday. “We're very disappointed in how this worked out.”
He blamed District Attorney Paul Gallegos for settling instead of going for a stronger sentence.
”We have the most incompetent DA in the state,” Quigley said.
A call seeking comment from Gallegos was not returned by deadline Friday.
In a press release, the DA's office stated that it was a potential technicality that led to the decision to accept the pleas.
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
After Friday's hearing, Ken Quigley expressed frustration at the way the case was handled by District Attorney Paul Gallegos. He charged that Gallegos was unprepared for court appearances, twice dropped it in the lap of unprepared deputy district attorneys and generally handled it in an unprofessional manner.
"Had this case been handled from the beginning by someone with the experience of Maggie Fleming, it would have had a much different outcome," Ken Quigley said. "I'm not here to knock people, but I'm very disappointed with the way Mr. Gallegos handled this case. Next year can't come soon enough. It is an election year, isn't it?"
Gallegos told the TimesStandard in a previous interview that the case was handled properly from start to finish.
In addressing the court, Nicole's uncle, Mike Quigley, said complaining about the sentence won't do any good. Instead, he vented anger at the defendants and a criminal justice system that released Whitmill from custody less than two weeks before the crash.
"In a just world, none of us would be here because he wouldn't have been on the streets," he said, before turning his attention to both defendants. "You killed a 9year-old girl and neither one of you are man enough to stand up and take responsibility for it. God bless my beautiful niece and her mom and dad and sister, and God damn both of you."
◼ Whitmill, Flores sentenced while victim's family, friends look on
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal
Ken Quigley, father of Nicole Quigley, attended nearly every court appearance by Whitmill and Flores with many family members and friends. He expressed frustration that the District Attorney's Office never discussed the plea bargain with him or his family.
”We didn't find out until yesterday afternoon, late, that this was even in the works,” Quigley said on Friday. “We're very disappointed in how this worked out.”
He blamed District Attorney Paul Gallegos for settling instead of going for a stronger sentence.
”We have the most incompetent DA in the state,” Quigley said.
A call seeking comment from Gallegos was not returned by deadline Friday.
In a press release, the DA's office stated that it was a potential technicality that led to the decision to accept the pleas.
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Not on the online TS yet UPDATED
UPDATED:
◼ Quigley family addresses court at Whitmill, Flores sentencing 'I WILL NEVER FORGET HER'
◼ Whitmill, Flores sentenced while victim's family, friends look on
People to speak at Whitmill/Flores proceedings today.
Brief recap:
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
One of the things Ken Quigley misses most about his daughter is her dancing.
”I don't even know where to begin,” he said about his favorite memories of his daughter Nicole Lynn Quigley. “We miss her so much ... . We miss watching her dance. Dancing was her thing. She danced all over the house.”
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
On Monday, Aug. 3, the friends and family of Nicole Lynn Quigley once again attended court for what was supposed to be a pre-trial hearing for Jason Whitmill and Anthony Flores and once again Whitmill's attorney, Glen Brown, paid for by you and me, the taxpayer, succeeded in getting the trial date moved out to the end of September. One of Glen Brown's excuses was that he had more important trials scheduled at the same time as this one. Since I am not allowed to speak during court, my question to Glen Brown is, “More important to whom?” After two judges have reviewed the charges against Whitmill and concurred that second-degree murder will stand against Whitmill for his reckless regard for human life, Mr. Brown has now sent the case off to the California Appellate Court in another one of his tactics to delay the inevitable. How this man sleeps at night is beyond me. In the meantime I will be watching very closely for what trials come up around Sept. 8 that are so important that we need to delay some closure to my family and friends and Whitmill's and Flores' trip to the big house.
Kenneth Quigley
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/08
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
It's a hard cold fact that Ken Miller's "concern" contingent is nowhere in sight. Salzman held no candlelight vigils.
◼ Quigley family addresses court at Whitmill, Flores sentencing 'I WILL NEVER FORGET HER'
◼ Whitmill, Flores sentenced while victim's family, friends look on
People to speak at Whitmill/Flores proceedings today.
Brief recap:
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
One of the things Ken Quigley misses most about his daughter is her dancing.
”I don't even know where to begin,” he said about his favorite memories of his daughter Nicole Lynn Quigley. “We miss her so much ... . We miss watching her dance. Dancing was her thing. She danced all over the house.”
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
On Monday, Aug. 3, the friends and family of Nicole Lynn Quigley once again attended court for what was supposed to be a pre-trial hearing for Jason Whitmill and Anthony Flores and once again Whitmill's attorney, Glen Brown, paid for by you and me, the taxpayer, succeeded in getting the trial date moved out to the end of September. One of Glen Brown's excuses was that he had more important trials scheduled at the same time as this one. Since I am not allowed to speak during court, my question to Glen Brown is, “More important to whom?” After two judges have reviewed the charges against Whitmill and concurred that second-degree murder will stand against Whitmill for his reckless regard for human life, Mr. Brown has now sent the case off to the California Appellate Court in another one of his tactics to delay the inevitable. How this man sleeps at night is beyond me. In the meantime I will be watching very closely for what trials come up around Sept. 8 that are so important that we need to delay some closure to my family and friends and Whitmill's and Flores' trip to the big house.
Kenneth Quigley
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/08
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
It's a hard cold fact that Ken Miller's "concern" contingent is nowhere in sight. Salzman held no candlelight vigils.
History - too many delays, and another plea deal
2009
◼ TS Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/09
◼ Big Plea in Quigley Cast The Journal
◼ TS Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/09
◼ TS Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/09
◼ TS Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/09
◼ TS Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ TS Nearly one year ago 10/01/09
◼ TS Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/09
◼ TS Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ TS Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/09
◼ TS Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/09
◼ TS Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/09
◼ TS Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/09
◼ TS Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/09
◼ TS Remember Nicole 05/08/09
◼ TS Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/09
◼ TS Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/09
◼ TS Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/09
◼ TS Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/09
◼ TS Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/09
◼ TS Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/09
◼ TS Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/09
◼ TS Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/09
◼ TS Broken system 01/23/2009
2008
◼ TS Hug your children 12/03/08
◼ TS Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/08
◼ TS Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/08
◼ TS Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/08
◼ TS Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/08
◼ TS Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ TS Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ TS Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/08
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/08
◼ TS Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/08
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
◼ TS Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/09
◼ Big Plea in Quigley Cast The Journal
◼ TS Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/09
◼ TS Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/09
◼ TS Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/09
◼ TS Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ TS Nearly one year ago 10/01/09
◼ TS Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/09
◼ TS Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ TS Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/09
◼ TS Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/09
◼ TS Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/09
◼ TS Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/09
◼ TS Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/09
◼ TS Remember Nicole 05/08/09
◼ TS Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/09
◼ TS Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/09
◼ TS Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/09
◼ TS Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/09
◼ TS Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/09
◼ TS Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/09
◼ TS Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/09
◼ TS Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/09
◼ TS Broken system 01/23/2009
2008
◼ TS Hug your children 12/03/08
◼ TS Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/08
◼ TS Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/08
◼ TS Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/08
◼ TS Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/08
◼ TS Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ TS Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ TS Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/08
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/08
◼ TS Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/08
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
”We have the most incompetent DA in the state,”
◼ Whitmill, Flores take pleas in deadly street race case Times-Standard breaking news
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal Times-Standard complete write-up
...Ken Quigley, father of Nicole Quigley, attended nearly every court appearance by Whitmill and Flores with many family members and friends. He expressed frustration that the District Attorney's Office never discussed the plea bargain with him or his family.
”We didn't find out until yesterday afternoon, late, that this was even in the works,” Quigley said on Friday. “We're very disappointed in how this worked out.”
He blamed District Attorney Paul Gallegos for settling instead of going for a stronger sentence.
”We have the most incompetent DA in the state,” Quigley said.
A call seeking comment from Gallegos was not returned by deadline Friday.
In a press release, the DA's office stated that it was a potential technicality that led to the decision to accept the pleas.
”The case has been delayed in going to trial as the defense has appealed the issue of defendant Whitmill's blood being drawn without his consent at a time when it was unknown who the driver of the vehicle was,” the release states.
Initially, Cheri Marcelli -- Whitmill's wife -- was listed as the driver in police reports but it was later changed to Whitmill.
Neither the California Supreme Court nor the Court of Appeals has ruled on the appeal, the DA's office said.
”Given that issue, the prosecution made the decision to accept the plea,” the release states. “The murder charge was dismissed in exchange for his plea to these counts with the agreement he would waive his appeal rights and be sentenced to the maximum term for each count.”
Flores also waived his right to appeal the case.
Quigley said he is not upset with the deputy district attorney who most recently prosecuted the case, Maggie Fleming, because she has only been on the case for two weeks. The case was “dropped into her lap,” he said.
”Maggie Fleming is excellent, she's brilliant,” Quigley said.
Franklin Zimring, a professor at that Boalt School of Law at the University of California, said there is no legal requirement for a DA to ask for the victim's family's input on plea deals or to keep them informed of developments.
”In large cities it's rare, but the smaller the town, the more visible cases are,” Zimring said. “And you have to remember ... it is an elected position.”
He said the practice of involving victims' families and keeping them informed varies from office to office and case by case.
Other coverage:
◼ KIEM-TV apparently refused to report Ken Quigley's negative assessment of DA Paul Gallegos.
◼ Big Plea in Quigley Cast The Journal
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Paul Gallegos simply cannot do his job
◼ Whitmill, Flores take pleas in deadly street race case Times-Standard breaking news
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal Times-Standard complete write-up
Two men involved in a street race on State Route 299 in October 2008 that caused an accident that killed a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl have accepted plea deals on the eve of their trial.
Jason Whitmill, 31, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing bodily injury. Anthony Flores, 19, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and hit and run.
Whitmill agreed to serve 14 years and eight months in prison, and Flores agreed to serve four years, according to Ken Quigley, the father of the 9-year-old girl, Nicole Quigley.
Whitmill and Flores were racing on Route 299 outside Arcata on Oct. 6, 2008. When Whitmill tried to pass Flores' vehicle, his car clipped a Chevrolet Tahoe, which spun off the road and slammed into a power pole.
The crash killed Nicole Quigley and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, who were in the Tahoe.
Whitmill was initially charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores was first charged with vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Jury selection was under way for their trial.
◼ Big Plea in Quigley Cast The Journal
Could have told you, the family, the victims, were not consulted.
From the comments on the breaking news piece-
It is late in the evening I am worn out from the surprise attack that me and my family received from the District Attorneys office yesterday telling us that Mr. Gallegos had decided to work with the defense to Reward Mr. whitmill and mr. Flores with a lite sentence for lying and covering up evidence in the murder of Nicole Lynn Quigley. The local TV news channel interviewed me today after the decision was made, I told them that this is what happens when you have a State like California where the judicial system is broken and you live in Humboldt County which has the most incompetent District Attorney in the state. News Channel 3 made the decision to edit out everything negative I had to say about our District Attorney. The simple fact is that Mr. Gallegos did not prepare himself or his attorneys to handle a case of this magnitude now the citizens of Humboldt County will once again pay the price for Mr. Gallegos incompetence. Ken Quigley
We weep.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal Times-Standard complete write-up
Two men involved in a street race on State Route 299 in October 2008 that caused an accident that killed a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl have accepted plea deals on the eve of their trial.
Jason Whitmill, 31, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing bodily injury. Anthony Flores, 19, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and hit and run.
Whitmill agreed to serve 14 years and eight months in prison, and Flores agreed to serve four years, according to Ken Quigley, the father of the 9-year-old girl, Nicole Quigley.
Whitmill and Flores were racing on Route 299 outside Arcata on Oct. 6, 2008. When Whitmill tried to pass Flores' vehicle, his car clipped a Chevrolet Tahoe, which spun off the road and slammed into a power pole.
The crash killed Nicole Quigley and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, who were in the Tahoe.
Whitmill was initially charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores was first charged with vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Jury selection was under way for their trial.
◼ Big Plea in Quigley Cast The Journal
Could have told you, the family, the victims, were not consulted.
From the comments on the breaking news piece-
It is late in the evening I am worn out from the surprise attack that me and my family received from the District Attorneys office yesterday telling us that Mr. Gallegos had decided to work with the defense to Reward Mr. whitmill and mr. Flores with a lite sentence for lying and covering up evidence in the murder of Nicole Lynn Quigley. The local TV news channel interviewed me today after the decision was made, I told them that this is what happens when you have a State like California where the judicial system is broken and you live in Humboldt County which has the most incompetent District Attorney in the state. News Channel 3 made the decision to edit out everything negative I had to say about our District Attorney. The simple fact is that Mr. Gallegos did not prepare himself or his attorneys to handle a case of this magnitude now the citizens of Humboldt County will once again pay the price for Mr. Gallegos incompetence. Ken Quigley
We weep.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Recaps
◼ (Donny Ray) Best held to answer to murder charge
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores
That special brand of cruelty set jury selection for this time of year, ensuring no peace for the family over the holidays.
The man accused of killing William John Lundy in a Trinidad trailer earlier this year was held to answer to a charge of murder after a brief preliminary hearing Monday.
”I find that there's sufficient evidence to hold the defendant to count one, murder,” said Superior Court Judge Timothy Cissna at the end of Monday's hearing.
Two Humboldt County sheriff's detectives who worked the case, and a California Department of Justice criminologist, were the only witnesses called to the stand Monday.
Best's attorney, Humboldt County Public Defender Kevin Robinson...The case is being prosecuted by Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin.... Cissna set Best's arraignment date for Dec. 2.
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores
Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in the trial of Jason Whitmill and Anthony Flores more than one year after they are accused of participating in a street race down State Route 299 that allegedly caused a collision that killed a 9-year-old girl, according to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office.
That special brand of cruelty set jury selection for this time of year, ensuring no peace for the family over the holidays.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case
A motion to suppress evidence was denied earlier this week in the joint case of two men who allegedly raced down State Route 299, causing a collision that killed a 9-year-old girl in 2008, according to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said his office received the ruling Wednesday that the blood withdrawn from Jason Whitmill, 31, was lawfully drawn even though it was taken without Whitmill's consent.
That motion was the third in an attempt to suppress the blood-alcohol evidence and it was denied by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen, Gallegos said.
Whitmill and Anthony Flores, 19, are accused of allegedly being involved in a street race on State Route 299 outside Arcata on Oct. 6, 2008. Prosecutors allege that when Whitmill tried to pass Flores' vehicle, his car crashed into a Chevrolet Tahoe, which spun off the road and slammed into a power pole.
The crash killed 9-year-old Nicole Quigley and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, both of whom were in the Tahoe.
Whitmill has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
A motion to suppress evidence was denied earlier this week in the joint case of two men who allegedly raced down State Route 299, causing a collision that killed a 9-year-old girl in 2008, according to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office.
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said his office received the ruling Wednesday that the blood withdrawn from Jason Whitmill, 31, was lawfully drawn even though it was taken without Whitmill's consent.
That motion was the third in an attempt to suppress the blood-alcohol evidence and it was denied by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen, Gallegos said.
Whitmill and Anthony Flores, 19, are accused of allegedly being involved in a street race on State Route 299 outside Arcata on Oct. 6, 2008. Prosecutors allege that when Whitmill tried to pass Flores' vehicle, his car crashed into a Chevrolet Tahoe, which spun off the road and slammed into a power pole.
The crash killed 9-year-old Nicole Quigley and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, both of whom were in the Tahoe.
Whitmill has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Jason Whitmill update
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death
The case against two men implicated in the death of a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl during a street race will drag on again due to procedural issues.
Whitmill has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Whitmill's attorney Glenn Brown challenged his client's second-degree murder charge, but Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen ruled the evidence would support the claim. Brown then appealed to the State Appellate Court, and was rejected.
On Monday, attorney Marek Rivas -- sitting in for Brown -- told the court that Brown is appealing the matter to the California Supreme Court.
A motion by defense attorneys to try Whitmill and Flores separately will also be opposed, said District Attorney Paul Gallegos.
Nicole Quigley's father Ken Quigley said in a phone interview that he's frustrated with the delays in the case, and said he's concerned the appeal to the Supreme Court could upset the tentative trial date set for Sept. 21. He said he does not want to see the trials split, out of concern that it will drag out the case even more.
”We're sick of the delays,” Quigley said. “We're tired of them.”
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
The case against two men implicated in the death of a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl during a street race will drag on again due to procedural issues.
Whitmill has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury and engaging in a speed challenge. Flores has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed challenge and participating in a hit-and-run injury.
Whitmill's attorney Glenn Brown challenged his client's second-degree murder charge, but Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen ruled the evidence would support the claim. Brown then appealed to the State Appellate Court, and was rejected.
On Monday, attorney Marek Rivas -- sitting in for Brown -- told the court that Brown is appealing the matter to the California Supreme Court.
A motion by defense attorneys to try Whitmill and Flores separately will also be opposed, said District Attorney Paul Gallegos.
Nicole Quigley's father Ken Quigley said in a phone interview that he's frustrated with the delays in the case, and said he's concerned the appeal to the Supreme Court could upset the tentative trial date set for Sept. 21. He said he does not want to see the trials split, out of concern that it will drag out the case even more.
”We're sick of the delays,” Quigley said. “We're tired of them.”
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Delay tactics
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month
The trial date for two men accused of killing of a 9-year-old girl during a street race on State Route 299 was moved to next month -- and a motion to sever their cases was also announced -- on Monday.
Anthony Flores, 19, and Jason Whitmill, 32, were allegedly racing down State Route 299 on Oct. 6, 2008, in an impromptu speed contest that ended with the injury of Debra Quigley and the death of her daughter, Nicole.
Flores' defense attorney Hugh Gallagher announced at the pre-trial hearing Monday that he will file a motion to sever Flores and Whitmill's cases Aug. 31 at the trial confirmation hearing. The trial date was also moved from Aug. (Sept.?) 8 to Sept. 21 due to scheduling conflicts and other issues.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
The trial date for two men accused of killing of a 9-year-old girl during a street race on State Route 299 was moved to next month -- and a motion to sever their cases was also announced -- on Monday.
Anthony Flores, 19, and Jason Whitmill, 32, were allegedly racing down State Route 299 on Oct. 6, 2008, in an impromptu speed contest that ended with the injury of Debra Quigley and the death of her daughter, Nicole.
Flores' defense attorney Hugh Gallagher announced at the pre-trial hearing Monday that he will file a motion to sever Flores and Whitmill's cases Aug. 31 at the trial confirmation hearing. The trial date was also moved from Aug. (Sept.?) 8 to Sept. 21 due to scheduling conflicts and other issues.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Whitmill update
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill
A motion to dismiss three charges, including second-degree murder, against a Willow Creek man accused of racing down Highway 299 and killing a 9-year-old girl last October was denied Wednesday.
Attorney Glenn Brown requested the dismissal of blood alcohol content evidence against Jason Bradley Whitmill, 32, on June 11 and three charges related to the evidence: second degree murder, driving while intoxicated causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated....
Brown requested the BAC be dismissed arguing that police illegally drew and tested Whitmill's blood without his consent. In the judge's statement, (Superior Court Judge Dale A) Reinholsten determined officers had probable cause to draw Whitmill's blood....
...Whitmill is also accused of engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury. Flores is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury.
Their jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8....
A motion to dismiss three charges, including second-degree murder, against a Willow Creek man accused of racing down Highway 299 and killing a 9-year-old girl last October was denied Wednesday.
Attorney Glenn Brown requested the dismissal of blood alcohol content evidence against Jason Bradley Whitmill, 32, on June 11 and three charges related to the evidence: second degree murder, driving while intoxicated causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated....
Brown requested the BAC be dismissed arguing that police illegally drew and tested Whitmill's blood without his consent. In the judge's statement, (Superior Court Judge Dale A) Reinholsten determined officers had probable cause to draw Whitmill's blood....
...Whitmill is also accused of engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury. Flores is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury.
Their jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8....
Monday, May 18, 2009
The worst case
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues
Throughout the court proceedings for Flores and Whitmill, the Quigley family and their many supporters have donned their pink shirts -- Nicole's favorite color -- and watched intently in the courtroom.
Ken Quigley has watched as both Flores and Whitmill were appointed public counsel and waived their right to a speedy trial, often pushing back their court dates. Although it is a routine practice, as months go by, the process becomes ever more frustrating for Ken Quigley.
”Why do they need three months to try to poke holes in the prosecution's argument?” he asked. “It's frustrating as hell, the whole system is frustrating.”...
...Speaking generally about court cases, Gallegos said, “the problem is, you have an aggrieved victim and an aggrieved community. But the courts don't want to visit one harm on another, and that would be the depravation of a person's right to prepare their defense. But the courts aren't going to let it go on forever.”...
The comments following the article are particularly interesting.... :...Remember when Dave Gunderson's wife walked into the McKinleyville sub station? They had him arrested and jailed and sent to trial in zero time.
Now look at this situation. Two men are responsible for the death of a young girl, and they're dragging their feet...." "I'll tell you how this ends... A plea deal with the these two guys getting off with the hefty burden of probation. Wanna bet? Our DA is a softy." "Revelation, a woman drove a car out of control and careened into an oncoming pickup truck killing a man. She was fined $627 dollars, required to perform 100 hours of community service..and serve two years of probation...
A man runs down and kills a man and gets five years probation."...
This case and the bicycle case, it will be interesting to see how they are handled.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Throughout the court proceedings for Flores and Whitmill, the Quigley family and their many supporters have donned their pink shirts -- Nicole's favorite color -- and watched intently in the courtroom.
Ken Quigley has watched as both Flores and Whitmill were appointed public counsel and waived their right to a speedy trial, often pushing back their court dates. Although it is a routine practice, as months go by, the process becomes ever more frustrating for Ken Quigley.
”Why do they need three months to try to poke holes in the prosecution's argument?” he asked. “It's frustrating as hell, the whole system is frustrating.”...
...Speaking generally about court cases, Gallegos said, “the problem is, you have an aggrieved victim and an aggrieved community. But the courts don't want to visit one harm on another, and that would be the depravation of a person's right to prepare their defense. But the courts aren't going to let it go on forever.”...
The comments following the article are particularly interesting.... :...Remember when Dave Gunderson's wife walked into the McKinleyville sub station? They had him arrested and jailed and sent to trial in zero time.
Now look at this situation. Two men are responsible for the death of a young girl, and they're dragging their feet...." "I'll tell you how this ends... A plea deal with the these two guys getting off with the hefty burden of probation. Wanna bet? Our DA is a softy." "Revelation, a woman drove a car out of control and careened into an oncoming pickup truck killing a man. She was fined $627 dollars, required to perform 100 hours of community service..and serve two years of probation...
A man runs down and kills a man and gets five years probation."...
This case and the bicycle case, it will be interesting to see how they are handled.
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Tears. And Questions.
☛ TS Hug your children Letters to the editor
Posted: 12/03/2008 01:15:16 AM PST
What has happened to our justice system?
In early 2008, Jason Bradley Whitmill was sentenced to 16 months in prison for one of his 17 times in criminal court in Humboldt County since 1997. On Oct. 6 an intoxicated, uninsured, unlicensed, Jason Whitmill along with Anthony Flores, owner of the Mustang with no insurance, took the life of Nicole Lynn Quigley.
In a few seconds these people destroyed the lives of an entire family. After lying and covering up evidence in a murder investigation for several days Chen Marcelli, registered owner of the uninsured Pontiac, is out on the street and after three weeks of searching for Jodyne Aubrey who covered up evidence in a murder investigation she was apprehended in Crescent City. We are now told Aubrey will not be charged in this accident.
Who is responsible for the fact that Jason Whitmill was not in prison on Oct. 6, and therefore responsible for the fact that I will never get to watch my precious Nicole dance, play soccer, go to her first prom, etc?
To all you responsible people out there a bit of wisdom from a grieving father, give your children a big hug and tell them you love them every chance you get and also make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy.
Kenneth Quigley
McKinleyville
The COMMENTS on this include this observation:
anonymous wrote:
just a thought wrote: I've seen alot of people blaming the D.A. on this issue, but he isn't the one issuing a sentence. A judge has the final say. Has Whitmill had the same judge on all his charges ? Just a thought, something to look into ?? On parole violations it is the parole boards, or parole officers judgement on the call to send the parolee back to prison.A judge or the D.A. isn't even involved.I totally agree this person shouldn't have been out on the streets, but who's "lap" does it really fall into ? Again, just a thought.....
So. Whose fault is it, if blame is to be assigned. Is it the judge's fault? Or is the judge limited in what he can do, by law, and by the charges brought by the DA? What do you think?
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Posted: 12/03/2008 01:15:16 AM PST
What has happened to our justice system?
In early 2008, Jason Bradley Whitmill was sentenced to 16 months in prison for one of his 17 times in criminal court in Humboldt County since 1997. On Oct. 6 an intoxicated, uninsured, unlicensed, Jason Whitmill along with Anthony Flores, owner of the Mustang with no insurance, took the life of Nicole Lynn Quigley.
In a few seconds these people destroyed the lives of an entire family. After lying and covering up evidence in a murder investigation for several days Chen Marcelli, registered owner of the uninsured Pontiac, is out on the street and after three weeks of searching for Jodyne Aubrey who covered up evidence in a murder investigation she was apprehended in Crescent City. We are now told Aubrey will not be charged in this accident.
Who is responsible for the fact that Jason Whitmill was not in prison on Oct. 6, and therefore responsible for the fact that I will never get to watch my precious Nicole dance, play soccer, go to her first prom, etc?
To all you responsible people out there a bit of wisdom from a grieving father, give your children a big hug and tell them you love them every chance you get and also make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy.
Kenneth Quigley
McKinleyville
The COMMENTS on this include this observation:
anonymous wrote:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Quigley family and all others that are being victimized because we either can not or will not do something to change the injustice in this community.
Another shining example of the incompetence of our criminal justice system. Another example of the "get out of jail free" cards issued to criminals by a DA who doesn't care about anything except for lying to the public and cashing his pay checks of what is it 13 or 14 THOUSAND DOLLARS A MONTH for doing nothing except for letting dangerous guys out of jail.
just a thought wrote: I've seen alot of people blaming the D.A. on this issue, but he isn't the one issuing a sentence. A judge has the final say. Has Whitmill had the same judge on all his charges ? Just a thought, something to look into ?? On parole violations it is the parole boards, or parole officers judgement on the call to send the parolee back to prison.A judge or the D.A. isn't even involved.I totally agree this person shouldn't have been out on the streets, but who's "lap" does it really fall into ? Again, just a thought.....
So. Whose fault is it, if blame is to be assigned. Is it the judge's fault? Or is the judge limited in what he can do, by law, and by the charges brought by the DA? What do you think?
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history
☛ TS Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history
Court records show that before his latest arrest on Oct. 6, Jason Bradley Whitmill was routinely cycling between the Humboldt County Superior Court, the county jail and the streets of Humboldt County.
Since 1997, Whitmill had appeared in the Humboldt County Superior Court around 17 times for various violations.
Court records show that ◼ in January 2005 Whitmill was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for driving a stolen car. Whitmill, who was on active parole, pleaded guilty to the charge of auto theft, and was sentenced to 68 days in jail.
◼ In February of 2006, Whitmill was found in a Eureka alley with a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine, a police report indicates.
He was on active parole at the time. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $1,310, and was sentenced to 31 days in the Humboldt County jail. He was given conditional release upon the completion of the sentence.
Traffic records show that ◼ in October of 2006, Whitmill was stopped by a traffic patrol officer and ticketed for driving on a suspended license without a seat belt, vehicle registration or insurance.
◼ Less than a week later, Whitmill was stopped again for failing to stop at a stop sign, as well as driving without registration or insurance on a suspended license.
During ◼ late April, 2007, Whitmill was arrested by Eureka police officers for possession of methamphetamine. He was taken into custody, and court records show that during a subsequent hearing, Whitmill flipped off an officer inside the court, leading a judge to charge him with disorderly behavior. He pleaded guilty to both charges.
For those charges, Whitmill would later be sentenced to a total of 306 days in jail and a $300 fine.
◼ On Oct. 2, 2007, Whitmill was arrested after trespassing on private property, but those charges were dropped.
Then, ◼ in December of 2007, Whitmill was spotted driving again. According to a Eureka police officer's written account, Whitmill attempted to evade the officer, speeding “with wanton disregard for safety.”
During the chase, Whitmill stopped his car and fled on foot into a nearby greenbelt to hide. He was located and arrested shortly afterward.
After searching his car, officers reported finding numerous bags of marijuana and a hypodermic needle. Whitmill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 135 days in jail, and ordered to pay a $300 fine.
Less than a year later, ◼ on Oct. 6, 2008, Whitmill was arrested again -- this time he was charged for murder.
Related:
Murder charges - Mustang found
☛ TS Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash
☛ ER Driver charged with murder in connection to fatal street race collision
Driver of the silver mustang found - the car is missing, and painted black.
☛ ER Second driver arrested in suspected street race crash
☛ TS Authorities arrest driver of Mustang
Find that silver mustang/UPdate(s)
☛ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
☛ TS Search continues for other driver in fatal crash
☛ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
☛ TS New driver named in fatal collision
☛ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
Court records show that before his latest arrest on Oct. 6, Jason Bradley Whitmill was routinely cycling between the Humboldt County Superior Court, the county jail and the streets of Humboldt County.
Since 1997, Whitmill had appeared in the Humboldt County Superior Court around 17 times for various violations.
Court records show that ◼ in January 2005 Whitmill was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for driving a stolen car. Whitmill, who was on active parole, pleaded guilty to the charge of auto theft, and was sentenced to 68 days in jail.
◼ In February of 2006, Whitmill was found in a Eureka alley with a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine, a police report indicates.
He was on active parole at the time. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $1,310, and was sentenced to 31 days in the Humboldt County jail. He was given conditional release upon the completion of the sentence.
Traffic records show that ◼ in October of 2006, Whitmill was stopped by a traffic patrol officer and ticketed for driving on a suspended license without a seat belt, vehicle registration or insurance.
◼ Less than a week later, Whitmill was stopped again for failing to stop at a stop sign, as well as driving without registration or insurance on a suspended license.
During ◼ late April, 2007, Whitmill was arrested by Eureka police officers for possession of methamphetamine. He was taken into custody, and court records show that during a subsequent hearing, Whitmill flipped off an officer inside the court, leading a judge to charge him with disorderly behavior. He pleaded guilty to both charges.
For those charges, Whitmill would later be sentenced to a total of 306 days in jail and a $300 fine.
◼ On Oct. 2, 2007, Whitmill was arrested after trespassing on private property, but those charges were dropped.
Then, ◼ in December of 2007, Whitmill was spotted driving again. According to a Eureka police officer's written account, Whitmill attempted to evade the officer, speeding “with wanton disregard for safety.”
During the chase, Whitmill stopped his car and fled on foot into a nearby greenbelt to hide. He was located and arrested shortly afterward.
After searching his car, officers reported finding numerous bags of marijuana and a hypodermic needle. Whitmill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 135 days in jail, and ordered to pay a $300 fine.
Less than a year later, ◼ on Oct. 6, 2008, Whitmill was arrested again -- this time he was charged for murder.
Related:
Murder charges - Mustang found
☛ TS Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash
☛ ER Driver charged with murder in connection to fatal street race collision
Driver of the silver mustang found - the car is missing, and painted black.
☛ ER Second driver arrested in suspected street race crash
☛ TS Authorities arrest driver of Mustang
Find that silver mustang/UPdate(s)
☛ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
☛ TS Search continues for other driver in fatal crash
☛ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
☛ TS New driver named in fatal collision
☛ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Murder charges - Mustang found
☛ TS Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash
Public Defender Laura Cutler was assigned to represent Whitmill and Deputy Conflict Council Kaleb Cockrum was assigned to defend Flores, after both told the court they could not afford an attorney....
While elements of malice and planning are generally required for a first-degree murder charge, University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said those elements aren't necessary for this charge, as Whitmill is alleged to have committed a separate felony, driving under the influence, that also led to Nicole Quigley's death.
”It's a rule of criminal law that if you commit 'felony A,' and in the course of committing 'felony A' a death takes place, even if you didn't intend for that death to take place, you can be charged with first-degree murder,” Levine said. “The commission of this separate felony DUI is what enables the prosecutor to charge murder. And, of course, that leaves tremendous leverage for a plea bargain. It's certainly legitimate (for the prosecutor) to charge up like that.”
☛ ER Driver charged with murder in connection to fatal street race collision
One of the two drivers involved in an illegal drag race that left a 9-year-old twin girl dead last week is being charged with murder, among other charges, and faces life in prison if convicted.
Jason Bradley Whitmill, 31, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, causing great bodily injury, vehicular manslaughter and engaging in a speed contest that resulted in injury.
While his bail was set at $1 million by Judge W. Bruce Watson, he also has a parole hold, meaning he’s ineligible to post bail, Humboldt County Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat said....
The other driver, 19-year-old Anthony Marques Flores, pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest that resulted in injury, and hit-and-run with injury. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, Keat said, and remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.
Flores, who allegedly drove the silver Ford Mustang that fled the scene following the collision, was arrested three days later, after the CHP received numerous tips from the public. While the Mustang wasn’t found at the same time that Flores was arrested, it was located late the next day in the Valley West area of Arcata.
Both men are co-defendants in the case and have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 24....
Nicole's funeral is Saturday.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
Public Defender Laura Cutler was assigned to represent Whitmill and Deputy Conflict Council Kaleb Cockrum was assigned to defend Flores, after both told the court they could not afford an attorney....
While elements of malice and planning are generally required for a first-degree murder charge, University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said those elements aren't necessary for this charge, as Whitmill is alleged to have committed a separate felony, driving under the influence, that also led to Nicole Quigley's death.
”It's a rule of criminal law that if you commit 'felony A,' and in the course of committing 'felony A' a death takes place, even if you didn't intend for that death to take place, you can be charged with first-degree murder,” Levine said. “The commission of this separate felony DUI is what enables the prosecutor to charge murder. And, of course, that leaves tremendous leverage for a plea bargain. It's certainly legitimate (for the prosecutor) to charge up like that.”
☛ ER Driver charged with murder in connection to fatal street race collision
One of the two drivers involved in an illegal drag race that left a 9-year-old twin girl dead last week is being charged with murder, among other charges, and faces life in prison if convicted.
Jason Bradley Whitmill, 31, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, causing great bodily injury, vehicular manslaughter and engaging in a speed contest that resulted in injury.
While his bail was set at $1 million by Judge W. Bruce Watson, he also has a parole hold, meaning he’s ineligible to post bail, Humboldt County Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat said....
The other driver, 19-year-old Anthony Marques Flores, pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest that resulted in injury, and hit-and-run with injury. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, Keat said, and remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.
Flores, who allegedly drove the silver Ford Mustang that fled the scene following the collision, was arrested three days later, after the CHP received numerous tips from the public. While the Mustang wasn’t found at the same time that Flores was arrested, it was located late the next day in the Valley West area of Arcata.
Both men are co-defendants in the case and have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 24....
Nicole's funeral is Saturday.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009
08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash
Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.
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