GUILTY on all counts

◼ Phase 2 to start Friday and go all day, same on the following Monday and Tuesday. - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 11:51 AM
◼ I think a verdict is in for the Bullock case... - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 11:07 AM
◼ Bullock jury sends another note to the Judge - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 9:29 AM

◼ Bullock Found Guilty on All Counts - Lost Coast Outpost 11:51 AM

On its fourth day of deliberations, a jury today found Gary Lee Bullock guilty on all charges, including the first degree murder of Father Eric Freed on Jan. 1, 2014, with special allegations of murder while engaged in torture, residential burglary and carjacking.

Bullock was also found guilty of two counts of residential burglary, the unlawful taking of a vehicle, carjacking (a separate charge), attempted arson and torture (again, a stand-alone charge), all felonies.

With the guilty verdicts now issued, the case will move on to phase two, during which the jury will consider whether Bullock was legally insane when the crimes were committed.

Waiting: Bullock

Jury Deliberation: Chiv's Coverage: (And a nice write-up regarding Chiv's coverage: ◼ Indie blogger John Chiv provides a vital window into the courtroom at The Mad River Union ◼ Thank you to Elizabeth Alves and Mad River Union for an unexpected surprise)

◼ One juror missing so jury deliberations in Bullock have been postponed until Monday - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 8, 2016

◼ Media takeover second floor of the Courthouse : Ryan, Paul, Sierra, Zach, Chiv with cameo by Goff - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016
◼ Day 3, three questions,and still no decision in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016
◼ Yet another question, no verdict in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016

◼ No decision on second day in Bullock trial, jury leaves at 4 - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 6, 2016
◼ Verdict in Bullock case? False alarm. The jury request video from the church, not sure whether day time or night surveillance video. - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 6, 2016

◼ No decision in Bullock jury leaves for the day - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ What Fr. Eric's response to a verdict would be - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ "Fr. Freed is not waiting for revenge or retribution; he is waiting for justice. Whether there is justice for Fr. Freed is up to you." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ Bullock case goes to jury for deliberation - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016

◼ Defense closing asserts that Bullock killed Fr, Freed in hot, explosive anger." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ "I have to prove that Gary Bullock intentionally killed Fr. Eric Freed. You cannot unintentionally strangle someone." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ "Why the fuck would I murder someone? You are saying because I was cold? Bullshit." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ People rest rebuttal, defense no surrebuttal, jury to hear closing instruction and arguments in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016

◼ Clarifying errors in mainstream media coverage on the Bullock jury trial, especially a major one in NCJ's latest article - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 1, 2016

The biggest error in Bullock trial coverage has been made by Thad Greenson in the North Coast Journal, which could have been avoided, simply by a small addition stating, "to my knowledge". Thad has covered courts before. The M'Naghten rule and it applying to this case has been covered more than once on my blog in the last year, Times-Standard did an article a couple months ago. The information in the NCJ article is not new. The recent article by Thad it highlights some valid points and challenges about the insanity defense, however it incorrectly states that the Bullock jury is unaware that the trial is bifurcated. Thad only covered Mr. Isaac's opening statement. He has not been in court on any other day for this case. Therefore, he is unaware that from the beginning of jury selection, the jurors were made aware that there would be two phases to this trial. They are very aware that if a guilty verdict is reached in the first phase, then there will phase two to determine whether not guilty by insanity can be proved by the defense. Due to the gag order, no one from the courts can correct or talk about this error.

◼ Closed courtroom in Bullock case while closing instructions for Bullock case are being finalized - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 30, 2016

◼ "You made a choice one day to go where you wanted to go. We tried to help you. You made harsh choices. You chose your own self over everything. You wanted to get high and say fuck everything else." - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ "In all the hours of recordings you heard, does he ever talk about what Fr. Freed lost.?" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ Defense rests, people present rebuttal, closing arguments in Bullock April 4 - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ People will be allowed to question Bullock's step father about Bullock's prior drug use and "issues with family" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ "Did you feel responsible for what happened to Fr. Freed? We find out security guard was also a St. Bernard's parishioner - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016

◼ In Phase 1 of Bullock trial , is Mr. Cockrum going for voluntary intoxication? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ Based on defense opening, could Bullock trial conclude tomorrow with closing arguments? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ "Can I release you from your prison?" is what Bullock told a correctional officer after he was released on New Year's Eve - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ "This is not a whodunnit but a howdunnit"; "What was going through Gary Bullock's mind?" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ People win key motions in limine in Bullock jury trial before defense begins their case - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ Will Archangel Michael be Gary Bullock's savior to claim insanity? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016

◼ "The defense is now trying to reduce the defendant's mental state and his accountability of his actions."People win motion to bar defense from using Bullock's statements to law enforcement - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ "Please bathe", why Fr. Eric would tell us this at Easter, his most favorite time of the year - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ A glimpse of Fr. Eric and who he was for those who never met him - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ Top of the ear torn; " bleeding indicates that he was alive" testifies Dr. Super; Fr. Freed's face so bloodied and bruised that he was barely recognizable - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ People rest their case in Bullock jury trial, according to schedule stated in Mr. Isaac's opening argument - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ Graphic, bloodied photos and details by Coroner tell the disturbing details of Fr. Freed's torture and death - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016

More, inc. the ongoing coverage from LoCo, MRY and TS t/k:

Progress: After some glitches, jury selection finally starts in the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial

◼ Second day of jury selection. Roll call at 8:40. Even more people missing today. - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 16, 2016
◼ Courtroom hallway packed with potential jurors for Bullock trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 15, 2016
◼ History

Recorded messages: "I will not lose my house over your drug use"

◼ "I will not lose my house over your drug use" - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 29, 2016

Bullock is heard telling his grandmother he needs her help. He asks her to bail him out and she tells him she does not have the money. He tells her to get out it is $120,000 and she should put her house up.

That is when she says, ""I will not lose my house over your drug use." She says no to him several times in the selection we heard. "If I let you out, you will go back to drugs." Bullock says he won't. She says she has heard that before. Then she says "You killed somebody." He responds, "No, I didn't. I 'll explain it to you."

◼ Jury selection and evidentiary hearings start in Gary Lee Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 29, 2016

◼ May God's forgiveness and strength be with us but also Gary Lee Bullock and his family - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 28, 2016
_______________
◼ In Recorded Phone Call, Bullock Pleaded With His Grandma to Put Her House Up for His Bail - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

◼ Jury Selection Begins in Trial of Gary Lee Bullock, Accused of Murdering Catholic Priest - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

Gary Lee Bullock sat quietly in the courtroom this morning as Judge John T. Feeney began the process of selecting a jury for the case against him. Bullock, 46, stands accused of murdering Father Eric Freed, beloved priest at Eureka’s St. Bernard Catholic Parish, on New Year’s Day 2014, with special allegations of torture and carjacking. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Bullock is represented by Kaleb Cockrum, from Humboldt County’s Conflict Counsel Office, with Deputy District Attorney Andrew Isaac leading the prosecution. The morning court session was occupied by Feeney working through a stack of jury questionnaires, dismissing people with obvious hardships and ultimately selecting 31 potential jurors to fill out long-form questionnaires.

BULLOCK, postponed to February

◼ Gary Lee Bullock trial reset for February 8 due to psychiatrist reports not being in - John Chiv/Words Worth

Trial confirmation and and a motion to continue the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial was scheduled for this afternoon at 4 p.m.

The People have not filed an opposition.

Mr. Kaleb Cockrum represents Bullock. Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads was present for the People.

Only Dr. Ana Glezer submitted her report. Dr. Chamberlain has to yet meet with Bullock. The third expert excused himself.

Fr. Eric's twin sister was in court. She expressed her objections... More, HERE.

◼ Bullock Trial for Murder of Father Freed Postponed Until February - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

Father Freed's sister urged the court to go ahead with the trial so her family could find peace.

Bullock: More delays...

Imagine the good Father Freed could have done with all this time.

◼ Two psychaitrist evaluations still not in for Bullock, trial for October 13 depends on when that happens - John Chiv/Words Worth

More time...

◼ Next hearing for Gary Lee Bullock set for September 22 - John Chiv/Words Worth

PREVIOUSLY: Judge Feeney said, "I believe we are in a position to set a trial date." He said that in Chambers, "Counsel had discussed October 12 but since that is a court holiday, that the jury trial would be set for October 13 at 8:30 a.m." Pre-trial is(was) September 2 at 2 p.m. and Trial Confirmation is September 30 at 2 p.m.

The long road to justice

◼ Bullock jury trial set for October 13 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 7, 2015

The murder occurred January 1, 2014. (New Years Day) (corrected)

◼ Will the death penalty be sought in the Gary Lee Bullock case? Will he go to trial or will the defense pull another twist close to October 13? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 7, 2015

Judge Wilson grants motion by both parties and Judge Feeney will be the trial judge for the Bullock case

◼ "This is a joint request from both parties for assignment of Judge Feeney," said Judge Wilson. "The only hesitation I have is if there are time sensitive issues. Judge Feeney has several matters but since time has been waived, I will grant the motion." - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Next court date for Gary Lee Bullock case may result in a trial date - John Chiv/Words Worth

The next court date in the Gary Lee Bullock case is on May 6 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1 at 2 p.m.

Gary Lee Bullock Murder case proceeds - s-l-o-w-l-y

A high-profile, and complicated case, has to be handled properly.

◼ Bullock special set this afternoon to determine trial date
◼ Bullock diagnostic order and materials to be sent to three court expert witnesses; another chamber conference next week

Everybody's on this one - and there'll surely be national coverage when it finally goes to trial.

◼ Judge Orders Psychiatric Evaluation of Bullock, Predicts Early October Trial Date for Priest Murder Case - Ryan Burns/Loat Coast Outpost

After meeting with counsel in closed chambers conference, Judge John Feeney today announced to the courtroom that he had signed diagnostic evaluation orders for three psychiatrists who will be charged with analyzing the mental health of Gary Lee Bullock at the time he allegedly tortured and murdered Father Eric Freed on Jan. 1, 2014.

Feeney also signed an order regarding funding for the expert witnesses, who were selected by the court on March 10, and he said an index and materials will be sent to the psychiatrists as part of the evaluation.

In Bullock case, some progress

◼ Special allegation of carjacking requested by People for Bullock; Friday decision on experts and that allegation - John Chiv/Words Worth 3/4/15

Based on a case, Mr. Isaac referred to as the Johnson case, the DA's office is wanting to add another special allegation of carjacking to the charges Gary Lee Bullock faces.

Judge John Feeney will meet privately with the attorneys in his chambers Tuesday, March 10 at 3 p.m to discuss this additional allegation and the proposed experts.

◼ Could this be the Johnson case Mr. Andrew Isaac is referring to add the carjacking special allegation for Bullock? - John Chiv/Words Worth 3/4/15

◼ Bullock Attorney Submits Resumes of Potential Expert Witnesses - Ryan Burns/LoCo 3/4/15

PLEADING INSANITY

◼ Trying Sanity: What Does Gary Lee Bullock's Insanity Plea Mean? - THADEUS GREENSON/THE JOURNAL

◼ ‘I was insane at the time’: Bullock enters revised not guilty plea - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

Attorneys involved in the case are unable to comment due to a gag order, but former District Attorney Paul Gallegos said the case could proceed in a few different ways with the new plea.

“Speaking generally, what happens is they entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The court has to appoint experts and the experts will do their investigation. They will make reports,” he said. “The trial itself is a bifurcated trial, which means it’s split. The first part is the guilt phase and then there is a sanity phase.”

Should a defendant be found guilty of a crime after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Gallegos said the jury must then follow a section in the state penal code known as the M’Naghten Rule in order to determine whether the defendant was legally insane at the time of the accused act. Under the rule, a defense of insanity can be found by a judge or jury “only when the accused person proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she was incapable of knowing or understanding the nature and quality of his or her act and of distinguishing right from wrong at the time of the commission of the offense.”

Gallegos said both provisions in the M’Naughten Rule must be found by a jury in order for a defendant to be found legally insane.

“The jury is going to judge that based on the evidence presented,” he said.

Gallegos said that there are other possible routes these types of cases can take, such as a resolution being reached before it goes to trial.

“If the evidence is overwhelming that someone was insane, there might be a stipulation on that,” he said. “There are all sorts of possibilities.”

◼ DOLLISON’S DOCKET: The Insanity Defense: Legal Farce or Important Protection for the Mentally Ill? - Allan L. Dollison/Lost Coast Outpost

...Although the standards for a successful NGI plea differ by state to state, most are verbatim or a modified version of what is called the M’Naghten Rule (a nearly 200-year-old rule from England). A recent article in the North Coast Journal actually did not state the right definition of California’s Insanity law. It stated “…the evidence shows the defendant both didn’t understand the “nature and quality of his act” and wasn’t able to distinguish between right and wrong…” However, pursuant to the actual CALCRIM, and other articles on the subject, the standard in California is not for both of those elements. It is actually an “either/or” proposition, not an “and” proposition. Former DA Paul Gallegos also made that same mistake in an article on Bullock in the Times-Standard.

If a defendant can show that he did not understand the nature of his criminal act or did not understand that it was wrong, as a result of a mental disease or defect, then by definition that defendant is legally insane. Also, the defendant has the burden of proof in an insanity trial, but in California it is the lowest civil burden, called “Preponderance of the Evidence,” or more likely than not. A jury must still be unanimous when it rules on this.... KEEP READING

◼ Dollison on the Docket on LOCO features not guilty by insanity and it's impact on Gary Lee Bullock's change of plea

Will Fr. Eric's murderer go for California's Insanity Defense aka the McNaghten rule?

Next Bullock court date of February 18 still a go

◼ After the meeting which took place in the Judge's chambers, Mr. Andrew Isaac who is co-prosecuting the case with Ms. Stacey Eads told me, "we are authorized to say next court date is February 18." - John Chiv/Words Worth

‘I was insane at the time’: Bullock enters revised not guilty plea

◼ “I was insane at the time,” Bullock said, speaking in a fast, clear voice while staring down at the paper he read from. “I plead not guilty to all charges and deny all allegations.” - Will Houston/Times Standard (image source)

Updates from John Chiv... busy day...

You'll want to keep checking John's site..."Full court date with Burgess, Brown and Bullock this afternoon. Updates in detail later."

◼ Hearing for change of plea scheduled by defense for Fr. Eric's murder suspect Gary Lee Bullock

A change of plea?

◼ Bullock personally reads not guilty plea by reason of insanity

Judge John Feeney is meeting with attorneys privately tomorrow at 4 in his chambers to discuss this matter further. The private meeting is on the request of Mr. Cockrum. Mr. Issac told Judge Feeney that Mr. Cockrum has now placed "a cascade of administrative responsibilities of your shoulders." Mr. Issac added, "he did have things he wanted to say" he did not oppose the discussion be continued in private chambers. "This will impact jury selection and the trial."

...Bullock in a monotone, emotionless voice read a short script that he was not guilty of the offenses charged. "I believe that I am not guilty of the offenses charged because I was insane at the time...I plead not guilty and deny all allegations."

◼ "Creeper" Burgess evades gang charge but held to answer on other charges after preliminary

◼ Is there a connection between other unsolved murders and the shooting Matthew Brown is charged with? The defense presentS their case - WATCH FOR THE UPDATES

Difficult to get answers when there's a gag order in place....

◼ Whose records are being subpoenaed for the case of Fr. Eric's murder? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ People don't back down, continuance granted, but Bullock trial set for March 2 - John Chiv/Words Worth

...While Judge Feeney did grant the defense motion to continue ghe jury trial for Bullock from January 26, Mr. Andrew Issac who is prosecuting this case with Md. Eads vigorously objected to Mr. Cockrum's date of March 20 or further delays....

Check back at Words Worth for updates - John often updates posts after court closes.

Will Gary Lee Bullock ever stand trial for the murder of Fr. Eric? Conflict Counsel files 3rd request for continuance

◼ Defense has requested a continuance for the third time now. This is according to information in the court computers. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Why? Won't know until trial confirmation on January 14, the same day this motion will be heard by Judge John Feeney. Since there is a gag order, details will be available only during court. The jury trial was scheduled for January 26....

Gary Lee Bullock updates

◼ Judge Feeney has been the judge overseeing the hearings; formner DDA Elan Firpo was assigned to the case; today we find out who takes over. Bullock is being represented by Conflict Counsel's Kaleb Cockrum. - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Bullock whispers "I love you" to supporters in audience; Fr. Freed's family retains Kathleen Bryson - John Chiv/Words Worth

The case is being prosecuted now by DDA Stacey Eads. In court DA Investigator John Burke was present.

◼ Bullock Appears in Court, Kathleen Bryson Retained by Family of Father Freed - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

Bullock’s trial for the torture and murder of Father Freed is scheduled to begin on Jan. 26.

Five Six Seven major murder cases pending

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

And who are the prosecutors...?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insane?

◼ Will Fr. Eric's murderer go for California's Insanity Defense aka the McNaghten rule? - John Chiv/Words Worth

There is a gag order on the case. (Gary Lee Bullock) It is my understanding that usually you enter a plea of not guilty due to insanity and the Court appoints a professional to do an evaluation.

This would have to be done on the record and in the open and so we will see what happens at the pre-trial conference on December 17.