Guilty on all counts, justice for Bang

◼ The jury found William Nelson guilty of attempted homicide of a peace officer with use of a firearm. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Verdict in for Shelter Cove man who shot Deputy Cao

Attempted murder charge dropped back in 2007, and here he is again.

THANKS TO KYM FOR FINDING A MUGSHOT

◼ At LoCo: Jason Ryan Omholt, Arrested for 2006 Robbery Spree, Sought by EPD After Allegedly Damaging a Patrol Car and Evading Pursuit

As the result of an incident on Halloween night, Eureka Police are seeking Jason Ryan Omholt for vehicle theft, using that vehicle to strike a law enforcement vehicle, and evading arrest...

Omholt was arrested in 2007 for a series of robberies with two other men. One of the men, his 18-year-old half-brother, Zachary Cooke, was shot and killed during a standoff with law enforcement on Albee Street in Eureka. For more information on the incidents in 2006 and 2007 involving a string of robberies that ended with Omholt’s arrest and Cooke’s death, ◼ Background: go here.

◼ From the comments (at LoCo): INCOMPETENCE!! Can't even keep us safe from the real monsters. They had this guy for DUI back at the end of February, and couldn't be bothered to even look for his warrants when they arrested him.

Back then, November 01, 2007: The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday it would not pursue some of the charges against a man who had been accused of shooting at a Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy.

The announcement came at a preliminary hearing for Jason Ryan Omholt, 29, of Eureka, who was arraigned in January on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession and transportation of methamphetamine...

Thanks, Kym, for the fearless link. :)

EPD Press Release for this latest incident:

On 10/31/14, at approximately 9:22 PM, EPD Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Randall Street on the report of a vehicle theft that had occurred within the previous hour. The vehicle was reported to be a black Audi Q5 SUV with Massachusetts plates. Officers learned the victim’s iPhone had been inside the vehicle at the time of the theft, and the victim had tracked the phone to the vicinity of Carolyn Court off of Herrick Avenue.

Officers subsequently located the vehicle in a carport on the 5300 block of Carolyn Court and attempted to block it in with a patrol car. As the Officers prepared to ascertain if anyone was in the vehicle (which was difficult due to luggage in the rear blocking the view of the passenger compartment), the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of the carport in reverse and collided with the front portion of the patrol vehicle causing damage to its push bar. The driver of the vehicle then attempted to drive over a brick and wood fence which disabled the vehicle. The driver, a white male adult, fled on foot. Officers gave chase and unsuccessfully attempted to use a Taser to subdue him. The suspect fled over several fences and remains at large. No officers were injured.

A witness identified the driver as Jason Ryan Omholt. Omholt is currently wanted on two outstanding felony arrest warrants. EPD will be seeking the issuance of an additional arrest warrant for Omholt for charges stemming from this incident. Anyone with information concerning Omholt’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4044.

Date: 10/31/14
Crime: CVC 10851(a)-Vehicle Theft, CVC 2800.2(a)-Evading, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with Deadly Weapon, PC 594(b)(1)-Vandalism ​
Incident: 3C14-9142
Suspect(s): Omholt, Jason Ryan (age 36)

What a sweet deal

So we'll drop the attempted murder charge if you agree to waive your prelim...

What? Why?

This does not look good. Certain things should be avoided when the defense attorney is related to the Assistant DA... is the first reaction to this news. Seriously.
__________________
◼ Silverio Sanchez preliminary waived; attempted murder charge dropped

DDA Zach Curtis stipulated with Silverio Sanchez's attorney, Mr. Ben McLaughlin, to drop Count 1 which is the attempted murder charge and the special allegation associated with it and Sanchez agreed to waive the preliminary hearing.

..."Our aim this morning was to get the attempted murder charge dropped and to litigate the rest of the trial," Mr. McLaughlin told me after the hearing. "By waiving the preliminary hearing, we are not acknowledging that Mr. Sanchez was driving the vehicle."

Driving around hunting down the victims, shooting them in the face - Insane? Or what?

◼ Possible Insanity Defense in Marijuana Murder Case - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

Allegedly, of course.

It must be crimes of 2010 day.

REMEMBER?

◼ Kneeland Man Taps Eccentric, Powerhouse Lawyer for Murder Defense - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal Jun 10, 2014

Mikal Xylon Wilde, 32, was indicted federally March 1, 2012 on six counts, including murder in the commission of a narcotics offense, for the Aug. 25, 2010 fatal shooting of Mario Roberto Juarez-Madrid, of Santa Rosa, Guatemala, on a large-scale marijuana growing operation near Kneeland. Wilde — the first Humboldt County resident to be federally prosecuted for murder in decades — began working toward a plea agreement with the feds in December, after they decided not to seek the death penalty in the case.

...The interesting about face is made all the more so by Wilde’s choice of attorney. The long-haired Serra is a bit of a cult figure in the legal profession.

◼ Shooting victim expected to testify against his attacker - Sep 14, 2011
◼ Horror - Sep 21, 2010

On Aug. 25, they went to the Kneeland Airport to call someone to pick them up, the statement reads. Later that day, Wilde came to the property and got into an argument with the two men who had protested, and said he was mad that they had left the property. Wilde left, then came back, driving up to a travel trailer on the property where the two men were standing outside. The other man was inside the trailer, according to the documents.

Wilde pulled out a revolver and fired six shots, the man who was inside the trailer told deputies, and the other two ran. Wilde ran after them, and 20 minutes later, the man in the trailer heard three shots. The man in the trailer hid in the woods the remainder of the night, the statement said, and saw Wilde driving along the roads in his truck, shining a spotlight into the woods. The next morning, the man contacted a jogger, who led deputies to him.

◼ .four gunshot victims - Aug 26, 2010

Cal Fire News: Eureka: Humboldt SO SWAT Responding, 10-20 in a remote area not accessible to patrol vehicles, nothing has been confirmed yet. #PotGrow
about an hour ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka: 3 reported deceased GSW victims have not been located, the RP was shot in face, helicoptered to a hospital #PotGrow
about an hour ago
Cal Fire News: #BreakingNews - Eureka area - LEO/EMS - 3 unconfirmed DOA gunshot vics at a marijuana grow, 4th civ victim at Kneeland Helitack base. 154.74

◼ Do you get the feeling the Feds are here to do the job Gallegos won't do? - Mar 12, 2012
◼ Mikal Xylon Wilde pleads not guilty - Sep 30, 2011

Prosecutor: Murder Conviction Thanks to Bravery of Witnesses

◼ The day after a Humboldt County jury convicted 28-year-old Bodhi Tree of double murder, the prosecutor on the case said the result would not have been possible if not for the courage of several citizens. - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

“There were some civilian witnesses that put their individual safety on the line to testify, and without their testimony we wouldn’t have gotten this verdict,” said Deputy District Attorney Elan Firpo. “It came down to regular people being very brave.”

The trial, which culminated with the jury convicting Tree Friday of second degree murder for the killings of 18-year-old Christina Schwartz and 27-year-old Allan “Sunshine” Marcet at an Arcata house party on May 18, 2013 and the attempted murder of a Eureka man two days earlier, turned into a trial by attrition. With the trial initially slated to span two months, attorneys walked 900 potential jurors through hardship questionnaires before finding 16 — 12 jurors and four alternates — willing and able to serve. But the trial dragged on, with new evidence coming to light that stretched it to almost three months. Three jurors had been excused by the time the case was submitted to the jury Tuesday afternoon...

Tree, who screamed out, “This is Bullshit,” and pledged to appeal the verdict as it was being read, is due to be sentenced Aug. 22, though Firpo said that date is likely to be pushed back into September to allow Schwartz’s family to be present.

While Firpo said she is pleased and relieved to put the Tree trial behind her, there appears to be little rest in her future as she’s prosecuting Gary Lee Bullock, who stands accused of the Jan. 1 slaying of St. Bernard’s Parish pastor Father Eric Freed. His trial is slated to begin in November.

◼ Bodhi Tree threw temper tantrum in court. This is bullshit. Saying I did something I didn't. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ For Rhett, Christina and Sunshine. Thank you Tree jury - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ BREAKING! Bodhi Tree Guilty 2nd degree murder Arcata and attempted murder in Eureka
◼ Closing arguments: Bodhi Tree Murder Trial, It's with the jury now
◼ Tree trial resumes W/Updates
◼ BREAKING: SOMETHING'S UP IN BODHI TREE CASE - 8/1/14
◼ Bodhi Tree End Game - 7/29/14
◼ Bodhi Tree gamechangers? W/Updates - 7/23/14
◼ Bodhi Tree Murder Trial: DAILY UPDATES, running record.
__________________
From everything I heard during the trial, Élan Firpo was on her own. She did not have the usual DA Investigator at her side, as it should have been. Kudos to her. Thanks to the witnesses, condolences and respect to the parents of the victims.

And kudos to John Chiv, who covered the trial throughout, to Paul Mann from the Mad River Union, Lorna Rodriguez and Will Houston from the Times-Standaard, Lashay from News Channel 3 for their attendance and coverage. It matters.

BREAKING! Bodhi Tree Guilty 2nd degree murder Arcata and attempted murder in Eureka

◼ BREAKING NEWS: Bodhi Tree threw temper tantrum in court. This is bullshit. Saying I did something i didnt. - John Chiv/Words Worth (5:15) (linked here at 5:24)
__________________
Elan Firpo: Guilty: 2 counts of 2nd degree murder + special allegations. Guilty: 1 count of attempted murder.
To the witnesses and officers and criminalists: thank you thank you thank you.

◼ Bodhi Tree to be sentenced on Aug. 22. - Times Standard - (5:41)

◼ A JURY HAS FOUND BODHI TREE GUILTY. - News Channel 3 (6:00)

◼ Bodhi Tree guilty of murder, attempted murder, firearm use - Mad River Union (6:15)

Tree could get 25 years each for the two murders plus 12 years for the attempted murder.

Tree’s use of a firearm in the murder could get him an extra 25 years for each special allegation, for a total of additional 50 years on top of the basic sentences.

◼ Bodhi Tree Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder Lost Coast Outpost (6:16)

Allan Dollison on Lost Coast Outpost • Ok here is some law. You are charged with Murder. A prosecutor has the option of asking for a conviction on 1st Degree or 2nd Degree from the Jury. That decision is made after you have evaluated all of the evidence. Convictability on 1st v 2nd does play a role. They can ask for a 1st Degree and if the jury can't make a finding on 1st then they have an option to convict of 2nd degree. Or the prosecutor can send to the Jury as only a 2nd. There is NO discretion by the court now on sentencing. Tree gets 15-L each on both 2nd degree, but the fire arms enhancement adds 25 additional years each, so those sentences are actually 40-L, or 80-L. He could get another 7-L for Rhett August. If affirmed on appeal (over 90% chance) then Bodhi Tree will die in prison. Parole process for murder is also all but impossible. It is 4-part, and over 98% fail the very first part. Good win for Élan Firpo and small solace for the families who lost their loved ones.

◼ Bodhi Tree guilty of murder, attempted murder, firearm use - Mad River Union 8/8/14

Plea deal in the crossbow case.

◼ King sentenced to over 18 years in state prison for crossbow killing - Will Houston/TS

Pleading guilty to the charges of voluntary manslaughter and attempted murder with enhanced allegations of using a crossbow and causing great bodily injury during a July 3 trial confirmation, Phoenix Triton King was sentenced to serve 18 years and four months in state prison. As King's defense attorney, (Humboldt County Conflict Counsel Greg) Elvine-Kreis said the decision to take the plea deal came after he and King compared their evidence with that gathered by the prosecution and determined that theirs was not sufficient to argue a perfect self-defense case.

"What happened is we got an offer for a determinate term," Elvine-Kreis said. "We balanced the evidence of what we had in a perfect self-defense case and determined that this was the better route to take. When you're looking at life in prison, you want to be assured of some things. In the end, we decided to take the offer for an out date when (King's) still somewhat young."

Crazy. Good choice? To plea out? Or not?

Humboldt's lovey-dovey trio

◼ ...held to answer on first degree residential burglary that happened at the Christie Motel - John Chiv/Words Worth

Remember Lance Borgner, half of Humboldt's Most Wanted duo? He is in custody with his partner in crime, Christina Higgins. Remember William Hillegeist who along with Sara Balke, is the duo who allegedly fired shots in Freshwater Park. Well after the splashy headlines, Blake is out of custody; Hillegeist is still in jail.

I have seen Borgner and Hillegeist so often on the calendar and for so many different cases, I have given up updating the status of arraignments and dates being set....

Borgner is charged with first degree residential burglary and special allegations of two firearm enhancements; Higgins the same charges; Hillegeist same charges with the additional charge of attempted, willful, premeditated murder. The murder charge was listed as a misdemeanor and Judge Feeney pointed that out to Mr. Brownfield who said the complaint would be corrected to charge it as a felony.

Bodhi Tree Updates: Rhett August UPDATED & BUMPED

Note: Chiv often post early details of court proceedings, and then fleshes the story out later in the day, so it is recommended that you check back, to catch the full post, and the full flavor of the proceedings...

Rhett August, who was allegedly shot by Bodhi Tree, has a court case of his own *. EPD was responding to a domestic violence call and found meth..... ◼ (In February, he was released on a Cruz Waiver.) Now his own case is being delayed again, AND he is testifying about the events leading to the shooting...

◼ * Rhett August petition to revoke probation withdrawn, remains on probation - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Keeping vigil at Tree trial: 'She was one of my best friends' - Lorna Rodriguez/Times-Standard 5/31/14

◼ Tenuous Witness Cred Erodes State’s Case Against Tree - Paul Mann/Mad River Union 5/30/14

The heroin addictions and resulting memory loss of three prime witnesses in the Bodhi Tree triple murder trial are chipping away at the state’s charges.

Rhett August, the one victim to survive last spring’s shooting binge in Eureka and Arcata, remains unable to identify who shot him the night of May 15, 2013, when he answered the doorbell and stepped outside his Eureka apartment....

◼ "Russo seems very frustrated; Firpo defeating him at every turn"; general consensus among media covering case - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/30/14
◼ In my experience, in Humboldt County, a pound of marijuana would not get prosecuted in this era - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/30/14

Detective Cress explaining one of the reasons why he did not confiscate the marijuana in Rhett August's apartment. He also said when he saw the marijuana in the one, clear plastic bag, he was doing the initial sweep to secure the apartment for safety.

◼ Cress cross by Russo concludes in Bodhi Tree, Firpo still doing redirect - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/29/14
◼ 3 year supervised probation for Rhett August, alleged first victim in the Bodhi Tree case - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/28/14

Judge Feeney said that in addition to the Probation report, an addendum to the Probation report, he received character reference letters provided by August's family.

His tentative decision was to grant three years of supervised probation to August and to reinstate probation for four older cases.

◼ Brief Bodhi Tree update from today - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/28/14
◼ Cress still testifying: explains how Bodhi Tree connection with Eureka and Arcata happened - John Chiv/Words Worth 5/28/14 10:05
.

For God's Sake, How Many More Of These Guys Are Out There?

From the early days of Gallegos' tenure (2003 to now), the complaint has been, they're out before the ink is dry. We've chronicled a never-ending parade of bizarre plea bargains, the endless saga of letting seriously bad guys go. Charges reduced to nothing. Out on probation, picked up again, let out again, increasingly violent, let out again, and again, and again til someone ends up shot, or dead.

◼ The Escalation of 'Wild Bill' - Documents raise questions about an officer's shooting - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

It was about 2:45 p.m. on May 6, when a Humboldt County Sheriff's deputy and a sergeant arrived at a residence on Shelter Cove's Kelly Road, where 55-year-old William Lloyd Nelson was living. Several weeks earlier, Nelson's girlfriend of 15 years, and the mother of his son, filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order from the Humboldt County Superior Court, alleging that Nelson had threatened her life, coming to her door with a loaded Glock pistol in one hand and an ax in the other. She alleged that Nelson knocked holes in her walls with the ax and "waved the gun around" while threatening her. The court set the matter for a hearing and granted the temporary restraining order, as well as an accompanying "move-out" order that required Nelson to immediately vacate the residence, which was owned by his girlfriend and her father.

Court records indicate deputies initially attempted to serve Nelson with the order on April 27 but were unable to find him. They returned on May 6 and, according to Sheriff Mike Downey, spoke with Nelson. Downey declined to discuss the exchange in detail, but said the situation escalated and culminated with Nelson opening fire on the officers with a handgun, shooting one in the chest before retreating into the home. Downey said the officers returned fire as they attempted to flee to safety. A bullet-proof vest likely saved the injured deputy's life, Downey said, adding that he was shot at "close proximity."

...Probation reports from Nelson's prior convictions, unsealed after he was charged May 9 with the attempted murder of a police officer, show a string of contacts between Nelson and local law enforcement dating back to 2006. They paint a picture of a man with a propensity for stock piling weapons and disregarding the terms of his probation, and they raise a host of questions....

August of 2006... pulled over for speeding on U.S. Highway 101 and found to be drunk...handcuffed and placed in a patrol car, at which point he "proceeded to smash the window of the vehicle." A search of Nelson's car found a pair of semi-automatic pistols, a shotgun, a number of loaded magazines and night vision binoculars. Charged with drunk driving, felony vandalism and resisting arrest, Nelson ultimately pleaded guilty to a single count of misdemeanor drunk driving, commonly known as a "wet and reckless," and was placed on three year's summary probation.

(June 2007) assaulted a man with a firearm.... The case went to trial but the jury hung, after which Nelson pleaded no contest to a single count of negligently discharging a firearm. He was sentenced to time served and three year's summary probation.

(July 2008/2009?) prosecutors filed a complaint alleging Nelson had used an assault rifle to shoot up a cell phone tower neighboring his Shelter Cove home....

"Some Shelter Cove residents referred to him as 'Wild Bill' and it was known when the defendant became angry with people he would show up at their residences and shoot 'stuff,'"...

Read the whole piece, there's more, and more and more - and were it not for a bulletproof vest, we'd have another murder on the docket.

January of next year cannot come soon enough.

How many more? How many increasingly violent repeat offenders that Gallegos has failed to do anything about? How many more people will get hurt? How many more will die?
__________________
◼ Officer Shot - HCSO PRESS RELEASE
◼ UPDATE: Deputy Shot in Shelter Cove, Suspect in Custody - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

In May 2011, Nelson was sentenced to serve 336 days in county jail, three years in prison and three years probation after being convicted of felony vandalism, shooting at an unoccupied vehicle, discharging a firearm in a negligent manner and possessing a firearm within 10 years of a felony conviction.

◼ (UPDATING) Reports of Shooting in Shelter Cove - ANDREW GOFF/Lost Coast Outpost 5/6/14
◼ (UPDATED) Nelson Arrested: Shelter Cove Shooting Suspect Taken Into Custody Early This Morning - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost 5/7/14
◼ Update: Deputy shot in chest during Shelter Cove eviction - Times-Standard 5/7/14
◼ Suspect arrested in shooting of California deputy - SF EXAMINER 5/7/14

Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum

◼ Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum - Times-Standard

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On Friday at approximately 3 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a kidnapping and possible murder. Deputies spoke with a 24-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both from Indiana, who were reported to be in the Laytonville area. The men reported on Thursday they were visiting with a 25-year-old male friend in the Ranch Sequoia area of Humboldt County. At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, the two men from Indiana were on the balcony of the residence when they heard vehicles drive up to the residence. They heard male voices yelling what appeared to be commands to someone, and then banging on the side of the home. The two men then heard multiple gunshots. The two men went downstairs to find out what was happening, and saw eight males with rifles dressed in camouflaged clothing covering their entire bodies. Each of the male suspects was carrying a high powered rifle. The males then tied the two men to a tree with rope. The two men saw their 25-year-old male friend, the homeowner, had been shot and was bleeding. The suspects dressed in camouflaged told the two men tied to the tree not to say anything or they would kill them. The suspects then ordered the 25-year-old male gunshot victim into a truck at gunpoint and left with him to an unknown location.

The two Indiana men were eventually able to untie themselves and fled the residence and the area. They were uninjured.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call from Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville. A 25-year old-male showed up at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies responded and met with the gunshot victim, who turned out to be the 25-year-old homeowner from Rancho Sequoia the two Indiana men had reported being shot.

The gunshot victim is expected to live. Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives responded to the hospital and met with the victim who is expected to live. At this time the motive for the crime is unknown, and there are no suspect or vehicle descriptions.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant for the residence where the crime occurred which they served on 11-29-2013. Detectives located evidence at the scene consistent with the reported crime. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff's Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

◼ Kidnapping, Gunshot Victim, and More - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Sources in Southern Humboldt say the story below and this story from earlier today are connected. ◼ Possible Homicide:Body Recovered out Jewett Ranch Road - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 11-30-2013, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who wanted to report a possible human gravesite. The citizen told deputies where to search for the possible grave. On 12-01-2013, approximately 7:00 a. m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives went to the location described by the citizen which was off Jewett Ranch Road, the Harris area of Humboldt County. Detectives located a possible gravesite which they dug up and located human remains. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office was summoned to the scene. The identity of the deceased is unknown at this time, along with the cause of death, age and sex. Detectives are treating the deceased as a homicide at this time.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder

◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal

The California Highway Patrol says Jason Anthony Warren murdered Suzie Seemann, the university professor who died when a Kia allegedly driven by Warren ran into her and two friends on the morning of Sept. 27 as they went for their morning jog on Old Arcata Road. Her friends, Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman-Little, suffered major injuries, and Hunt’s dog, Maggie, also was killed....

In November, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department asked the DA to file homicide and auto theft charges against Warren for a separate incident — the killing of Hoopa resident Dorothy Ulrich — earlier on the same morning the joggers were hit.

◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard

The following is an update regarding the death of Suzanne Seeman and the serious injuries sustained by Jessica Hunt and Terri Vromen-Little, on September 27, 2012, while the three were jogging on Old Arcata Road, with the Hunt's dog, “Maggie”.

The Humboldt Area CHP has submitted a request to the Humboldt County District Attorney, for charges against Jason Anthony Warren, age 28, of Hoopa, California. Charges sought are, one count of 187 (a) PC (Murder), two counts of 664/187 (a) Attempted Murder, one count of 597 (a) PC Animal Cruelty, three counts of 245 (a) (1) PC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of 10851 (a) VC, Vehicle Theft.

No further informational releases will be made through this office, pending adjudication of this case.

◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye

...Based upon their investigation, Sheriff’s detectives believe Ulrich was killed during the early morning hours of September 27, 2012. A silver Kia Spectra was stolen from Hoopa shortly after Ulrich’s death. Subsequently, the Silver Kia Spectra was recovered by the Eureka Police Department in the City of Eureka on Sept. 27, 2012.

Jason Warren is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on an unrelated charge.
_______________

What will Paul do?

BTW, Comments closed.

What's it going to take? (W/Update)

◼ Attempted murder at Kenmar Road in broad daylight - Humboldt Beacon

◼ Derek Wendell Bowman, 29, of Fortuna. Bowman has been identified as a suspect in the stabbing. He is on active parole and should be considered dangerous - Times Standard

"The Fortuna Police Department is looking for a murder suspect who allegedly stabbed another man in Fortuna.

Officers responded to Redwood Memorial Hospital at about 5:50 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release. The victim, who was hospitalized for stab wounds to his chest and back, said he had been assaulted while seated in his vehicle on Kenmar Road and Renee Court.

The department is seeking information on Derek Wendell Bowman, 29, of Fortuna. Bowman has been identified as a suspect in the stabbing. He is on active parole and should be considered dangerous, the FPD release said.

Bowman was arrested in January by the California Highway Patrol during a multi-agency parolee search in connection with an armed robbery.

The department can be reached at its anonymous tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or 1-800-782-7463. Informants may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction, the release said."

◼ Attempted Murder Suspect - Fortuna Police Department Press Release

On March 31, 2011 at about 5:50 PM officers from the Fortuna Police Department responded to Redwood Memorial Hospital for a report of a stabbing victim. Officers contacted the victim and determined that he had been assaulted while seated in his vehicle on Kenmar Rd. and Renee Ct. in the City of Fortuna.

The victim suffered stab wounds to his chest and back and is still currently hospitalized.

The Fortuna Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of Derek Wendell Bowman, age 29, of Fortuna. Bowman has been identified as a suspect in the stabbing and is on active Parole and should be considered dangerous.
Anyone with any additional information about this crime or the location of the suspect is asked to contact the our WeTip Anonymous Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME or 1-800-782-7463. Informants may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this matter.

How much will it cost to get this one dismissed? Paul?

Kym - I am appealing to you - THIS is the kind of incivility YOU should be concerned about.

How many times has this guy been let out? And why? What does he have to do before you guys wake up? Kill someone?
◼ Fortuna man arrested, charged with attempted murder

Derek Wendell Bowman, 29, is in custody after officers with the Fortuna Police Department arrested him, according to a press release. The department issued a statement a week ago urging anyone with information on Bowman's whereabouts to contact FPD.

Bowman, who was on active parole, also had been arrested in January by the California Highway Patrol during a multi-agency search in connection to an armed robbery.

He now faces charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to arrest logs from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, and is due to be arraigned on the charges this week.

On March 31, officers responded to Redwood Memorial Hospital to a report of a stabbing victim, according to a press release from FPD. The victim told officers that he had been assaulted while sitting in his vehicle at Kenmar Road and Renee Court in Fortuna.

Bowman was later identified as a suspect in the incident, and FPD offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Garberville man charged with attempted murder; victim escapes uninjured

◼ Garberville man charged with attempted murder; victim escapes uninjured

A Garberville man was arrested Saturday after allegedly firing two gunshots at his stepdaughter during a heated argument, the Times-Standard learned Sunday.

Hugh Bradley Henson, 39, remains in custody after officers with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol responded to a 911 call on the 600 block of Locust Street in Garberville, according to a press release. Multiple witnesses at the scene reported yelling between Henson and his 23-year-old stepdaughter, Niccole Marian Lang, who arrived at the house to pick up some clothes late Saturday morning, said sheriff's deputy Bob Hamilton.

During an argument in which Henson's wife Penny Marie Krautheim, 47, tried to separate the two, Lang ran out of the house on foot. Henson then fired two shots at her with a .38-caliber revolver, said Hamilton, missing both times.

...During a subsequent search of the home officers reported finding approximately five ounces of concentrated cannabis and more than six pounds of processed marijuana, believed to be in preparation for the production of concentrated cannabis, or hash. Hamilton said that the marijuana is not believed to be related to the shooting in any way.

...Henson, who also had a pair of outstanding misdemeanor warrants for traffic violations, was charged with attempted murder, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of concentrated cannabis, maintaining a place for the purpose of selling/distributing a controlled substance and felony child endangerment likely to produce great bodily injury or death.

With prior felony drug-related offenses, Henson was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.

Krautheim, who also goes by the last names Lang and Henson, was charged with knowingly renting a place for storage of a controlled substance, felony child endangerment and possession of concentrated cannabis.

Henson is being held on $500,000 bail, and Krautheim is being held on $50,000 bail. Both are expected to be arraigned on the charges this week.

Sheriff's deputy stabbed... Jesse James Petty charged with attempted murder of a peace officer

◼ Sheriff's deputy stabbed in Southern Humboldt County; Garberville man charged with attempted murder of a peace officer
A pair of deputies responded to the 800 block of Redway Drive in Garberville on a report of a man threatening others with a knife shortly after 10 a.m., according to a press release. The suspect, later identified as Jesse James Petty, 20, ran from the scene when the officers arrived, said Sgt. Ernie Stewart....

Petty, who is on probation for resisting/obstructing an officer and has a prior conviction of petty theft, was transported to the Humboldt County jail and charged with attempted murder of a peace officer. He is expected to be arraigned later this week.

The details emerge

◼ Marijuana grow operation shooting leaves one dead, one wounded near Kneeland; 28-year-old man held on suspicion of murder, investigation remains ongoing
...The shooting is believed to be marijuana related and apparently occurred Wednesday night. It was not reported until about 9 a.m. Thursday, after the surviving shooting victim hiked more than two miles from the crime scene to the helicopter base. Initial scanner reports indicated that the man had been shot in the face and the back. He was airlifted by CalFire helicopter to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, and authorities said he is in stable condition.

Another man who may have witnessed the shooting was kept under the care of detectives in Kneeland for several hours before being transported away from the site.

Early Thursday afternoon, a heavily armed SWAT team, dressed in camouflage fatigues and full tactical gear, moved in on the scene of the shootings, which was more than two miles from the base, down steep, tree-covered hills. It reported finding a deceased adult male, apparently killed by a gunshot wound, on the property.

Back at the command center set up at the Kneeland Airport, Undersheriff Mike Downey, after accompanying the SWAT team as it surveyed and searched the crime scene, said the uninjured man is cooperating with authorities, and had been in touch with investigators throughout the day.

”We're making sure he has a place to stay tonight and we're taking care of him,” Downey said.
The undersheriff said the scene of the shooting contained a large outdoor marijuana grow, consisting of four garden sites that he estimated had a combined 1,500 to 2,000 plants.

”I've worked marijuana in this area for 25 years, and I would put that (operation) on a very large scale,” Downey said.

He went on to say that some physicians' medical marijuana recommendations were posted at the gardens and that it would be “speculative” this early in the investigation to say whether the grow was illegal.

The Sheriff's Office is withholding the identities of all the victims at this point. Downey said it appears that all involved in the Wednesday night altercation have been accounted for based on witness statements.

Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos was at the Kneeland air station Thursday afternoon, and toured the crime scene by helicopter. Gallegos said officers had the “primary suspect” in custody, but said investigators were still tracking down leads in an attempt to determine if anyone else may have been involved with the shootings.

◼ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The investigation into the Kneeland shooting is continuing and evidence continues to be collected and evaluated. As released yesterday, the suspect, Mykal Wilde, 28 of Eureka, was arrested yesterday during a traffic stop a short distance from the Kneeland Airport. Detectives have learned that the three victims had been hired by the Wilde to assist in marijuana cultivation. Wednesday evening, a dispute developed between Wilde and the three men. The preliminary investigation revealed that Wilde was in possession of a firearm and opened fire, killing one and wounding another; the third man was uninjured. The two surviving men fled and were separated. Early reports indicate that Wilde continued to search for the two survivors throughout the night. Yesterday morning, the injured victim contacted CalFire personnel at the Kneeland Helitack Base. At about the same time, the uninjured survivor separately contacted a jogger. Law enforcement personnel responded to the area and conducted a systematic search. At about 2:00 yesterday afternoon, they located the deceased victim near the grow site.

Deputies found and eradicated 1,554 growing marijuana plants at the site of the shooting. There were several Proposition 215 recommendations posted and the legality of the growing operation remains under investigation. Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives obtained and served three search warrants: the suspect’s vehicle, his residence, and a trailer located on the property of the grow site. At Wilde’s residence deputies found more the 20 pounds of processed marijuana, a digital scale, packaging materials, and ammunition.

The victims’ identities are being withheld. At this point in the investigation there is no evidence that any of the three victims were armed. The investigation is continuing. Law enforcement personnel remained at the site throughout last night and today.

Gary Philp
Sheriff

...four gunshot victims... UPDATES on Blogthing

Undersheriff Mike Downey and District Attorney Paul Gallegos (center) are on scene in Kneeland, near where a multiple shootings may have occurred. An ambulance has left the scene, where at least one man was shot, another escaped unharmed and a third is missing, but actively being searched for at this time.

◼ One suspect in custody, search continues for others (This breaking news is being updated...keep checking the link)
Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are responding to a report of a gunshot victim in an area near the Kneeland CalFire helitack base.
Reporters on the scene received reports of up to four gunshot victims, but Humboldt County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said those are unconfirmed, and officers are still trying to assess the situation. At this point, Godsey said there is only one confirmed victim, who she said was transported out of the area for treatment....

suspect as Mikal Xylon Wilde, 28, and described him as a white male standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds with a muscular build. Dispatchers said Wilde is believed to be driving a dark green or black Ford F250 pickup truck with a lift unit and a black brush guard. They said the vehicle's license plate number is 7B57780.

They said Wilde is believed to be armed with a .45 caliber handgun, and should be considered armed and dangerous.

At the Journal's ◼ BLOGTHING:

At least one man was severely injured in shootout in Kneeland last night, apparently in a marijuana-related dispute...

UPDATE, 11:30 a.m.: Scanner traffic says that the suspect has been taken into custody on Greenwood Heights Road. Officers on the scene paged animal control to take custody of two pit bulls.

UPDATE, 11:53 a.m.: The CalFire Twitter feed reports what we’ve been hearing; that three people were found dead in Kneeland this morning. The Sheriff’s Office will not yet confirm this.
**
◼ Twiiter Feed shows up when you google Wilde's name
Cal Fire News: Eureka scanner: 11:31 154.74 One suspect in custody, code 4, 2 pit bulls awaiting animal control #PotGrow
35 minutes ago replyretweet
Cal Fire News: Eureka:1124hrs SO has suspect vehicle stopping dwn twn 1/4 m from Greenwood and Mountainview -3 DOA, 1 injured 154.74 SO Main still CODE 33
38 minutes ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka scanner: Wilde is believed to be armed with a .45 caliber handgun, and should be considered armed and dangerous. #PotGrow #BOL
43 minutes ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka scanner: BOL dark green or black Ford F250 pickup truck w/ lift unit / black brush guard. License plate number is 7B57780. #PotGrow
44 minutes ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka scanner: Suspect- Mikal Xylon Wilde, 28, WM,6 ' 2, 225 Lbs w/ muscular build. #SWAT #PotGrow
about an hour ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka: Humboldt SO SWAT Responding, 10-20 in a remote area not accessible to patrol vehicles, nothing has been confirmed yet. #PotGrow
about an hour ago
Cal Fire News: Eureka: 3 reported deceased GSW victims have not been located, the RP was shot in face, helicoptered to a hospital #PotGrow
about an hour ago
Cal Fire News: #BreakingNews - Eureka area - LEO/EMS - 3 unconfirmed DOA gunshot vics at a marijuana grow, 4th civ victim at Kneeland Helitack base. 154.74

***

Sheriff's Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Kneeland area this morning after receiving a report that a shooting had occurred in a marijuana garden there. At about 9:15 a.m. deputies responded and located one person who had been shot. The victim was conscious at the time and was air-lifted to an out-of-the-area hospital for treatment. Deputies were able to obtain possible suspect information and began searching for Mykal Wilde, 28 of Eureka. At about 11:30 a.m. law enforcement officers spotted Wilde driving near the Kneeland Airport and he was taken into custody without incident.

At the time of this writing (approx. 1:00 p.m.), deputies are searching the area to determine if there are additional victims. Initial information relayed to the Sheriff’s Office indicated that there may be an additional victim at the marijuana grow site. This report has NOT been verified.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available and verified. ◼ link Not sure of the time of that release.

UPDATE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies continue to investigate the shooting that was reported to official this morning. At about 2:00 p.m. deputies found the body of a deceased adult male near a marijuana grow site. The preliminary cause of death appears to be a gunshot wound. Deputies do not expect to find additional victims but are continuing to search the area.

Investigators have learned that the shooting likely occurred last evening and involved four individuals: the suspect and three victims. Of the victims, one was airlifted to an out-of-the-area hospital for treatment for gunshot injuries. The second victim is deceased. The third victim was uninjured during the incident. The identity of all three victims is being withheld. The suspect, Mykal Wilde, 28 of Eureka, was arrested this morning and has been booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.

The motive for the shooting is still under investigation although Sheriff’s Detectives believe there was a dispute over illegal activity.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

◼ Final Tally: One Arrested, One Injured, One Safe and One Dead - at the Blogthing

Not to fear - Gallegos the great is at the scene.

Hearing pushed back for Fortuna man

◼ Hearing pushed back for Fortuna man
The preliminary hearing for a Fortuna man accused of attempted murder has been pushed back to the end of the month.

Michael Alan Coen, 28, was arrested July 2 in a multi-agency manhunt less than 24 hours after he allegedly shot Michael Cooper on the 3400 block of Hillras Way in Fortuna. Coen has pleaded not guilty to numerous charges, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest.

On Tuesday, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen agreed to postpone a preliminary hearing -- a kind of mini-trial held to determine if there is enough evidence to hold a defendant for a jury trial -- until Aug. 31, based on an agreement between attorneys in the case....

Coen pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm last November and, as a result, spent 47 days in jail and was sentenced to three years probation, according to Humboldt County court records. Coen was also arrested in February for his alleged involvement in an Arcata carjacking, but charges have never been filed stemming from that incident....

TS - Suspect in Fortuna attempted murder arraigned in Humboldt County court

◼ Suspect in Fortuna attempted murder arraigned in Humboldt County court

Michael Alan Coen pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in Humboldt County Superior Court on Thursday, less than a week after his alleged involvement in a shooting incident.

Coen, 28, was the subject of a multi-agency manhunt last Friday in connection with a shooting on the 3400 block of Hillras Way in Fortuna. Victim Michael Cooper was treated and released from a local hospital, and authorities said he and Coen are believed to know each other.

Coen faces numerous charges, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest. Coen pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Coen pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm in November 2009. He spent 47 days in jail and was sentenced to three years probation, according to Humboldt County court records. Coen was also arrested in February for his alleged involvement in an Arcata carjacking. Charges stemming from the incident were never filed, and the case is still under review.

Coen's bail was set at $600,000, and a preliminary hearing on the matter was scheduled for July 21.

Matt Drange/The Times-Standard
Posted: 07/09/2010 01:24:12 AM PDT
***
◼ Three more arrested in Eye Street robbery
◼ Arrest made in Eye Street robberies

Local blues singer Courtney Weaver testifies at alleged shooter's hearing;

◼ Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui is charged with attempted murder
The local blues singer who was shot in the face, allegedly by her then partner, testified at his preliminary hearing Wednesday that she was concerned for the safety of others when she tried to block him from leaving their apartment while he was armed with a gun.
Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui, 34, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Courtney Weaver, 23, on Jan. 15 as they were preparing to go out to a music venue. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County jail.

◼
Arcata shooting victim Courtney Weaver says she's achieving her dreams despite injuries
Within days of getting shot in the face, local blues singer Courtney Weaver already had her mind set on performing again. The 23-year-old Arcata resident began writing songs in a journal her aunt gave her while she was in the hospital.
Now, less than two months later, Weaver has churned out 35 songs and has plans for an album and a West Coast tour.
”I lucked out,” she said about her survival.