Frequent flyer goes to trial

An oddball case...

◼ Dan Dobbs's jury trial in which he is charged with assault starts today - - John Chiv/Words Worth

...People in Sohum need no introduction to Dobbs. He was most recently arrested as a suspect in tbe Sohum maximum enforcement bust.

Previously, he was arrested when he wandered into the Gingerbread mansion and helped himself to a room and wine....

Her lawyer's nightmare

◼ Kimberly Steele Gives the Outpost Her Account of Saturday’s Homicide in Arcata - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Breaking story 5/17/15
◼ ‘The Price of Trevor’s Life’ - Kimberly Steele Talks About the Pot Deal That Left a Man Dead - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost Full Story 5/18/15

Kimberly Steele arranged the pot deal that ended with one man shot dead in Arcata. She was arrested and booked for murder, then released -- though police say they are still considering which charges to bring. Here's her story.
...“I had been working on a pot deal the whole day.”...

If I was Lost Coast Outpost, I'd print it too. But what a stupid thing for her to do. Any lawyer will tell you.

Might as well start the running coverage recap:

◼ Woman Arrested for Saturday’s Homicide in Arcata Released From Jail - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost 5/14/15

According to jail records, Kimberly Lyn Steele, who was arrested at her Samoa home shortly after the incident in Arcata’s Sunset neighborhood, was set free yesterday shortly after noon.

Hours later, the Arcata Police Department and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office raided a location at the Bear River Rancheria and took Billy Joe Giddings into custody. He and Robert Louis Huntzinger are still in jail facing murder and robbery charges.

◼ Two more arrests in Saturday homicide - Kevin Hoover/Mad River Union/City Of Arcata Press Release 5/13/15

On Tuesday, May 12th, near midnight, the Arcata Police Department arrested Robert Louis Huntzinger (age 34) at a residence located in the 400 block of Railroad Avenue in Blue Lake.

The arrest of Huntzinger was made with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol. Huntzinger was arrested without incident.

On Wednesday, May 13th, at about 3:45 pm, the Arcata Police Department arrested Billy Joe Giddings (age 35) at a residence located in the 200 block of Brenard Road in Loleta.

◼ (UPDATED) Two Men Arrested in Connection to Weekend Homicide in Arcata - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 5/13/15

◼ Arcata Homicide Victim Named; Two Suspects Still Sought - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost 5/11/15

The homicide victim has been identified as 38-year-old Trevor Mark Harrison, of Arcata.

◼ Homicide investigation continues; one arrest made - Mad River Union 5/11/15
◼ Arcata Police Arrest Woman Believed to Have Been Involved in Saturday Night’s Home Invasion/Homicide - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost 5/11/15

One person has been arrested in connection with the home invasion robbery that ended when a man was shot dead Saturday night, according to Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman.

Chapman told the Outpost that his officers found Kimberly Lyn Steele, 28, at her home in Samoa on Sunday, shortly after the shooting. Steele was taken into custody for questioning, Chapman said, after which she was arrested and booked into jail on robbery charges.

“We are continuing to investigate her involvement in the homicide,” Chapman said.

◼ APD investigating shooting homicide - APD Press Release/Mad River Union 5/10/15
◼ Homicide in Arcata: Last Night’s Fatal Shooting Connected With Home Invasion Marijuana Robbery, Says APD - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost 5/10/15

Further investigation revealed that a marijuana related home invasion robbery had occurred and the victim was shot during the commission of that robbery. The suspects are described as two white male adults, possibly in their 20’s, wearing dark clothing and a white female adult described as being in her late 20’s or early 30’s with a possible first name of “Kim.”

◼ Shooting in Arcata; Police, Medical Responding to Sunset Neighborhood - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost 5/10/15

Fourth Scoop In A Row

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

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

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

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

A million dollar bail... in the Ganfield murder case

◼ Another Homicide Arrest Today; Jonas Randall Semore arrested in Ganfield murder case - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Second Homicide Suspect Named, Considered Armed and Dangerous

Background on Ganfield case:
◼ Unconscious Man Dropped Off at Mad River Hospital, Now in Critical Condition - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Man Delivered to Hospital Unconscious Succumbs to Injuries; Fifth Humboldt Homicide of the Year - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff’s Office Books One for Ganfield Slaying - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost 5/15/15

Previous Semore:
◼ Traffic Stop Leads to Bonanza Meth Harvest - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ EPD Harvests 18 Pounds of Sensi in Broadway Avenue Motel - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Suspicious Behavior Leads Officers to Meth, Money, and Arrests - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

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.
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A million dollar bail for murder suspect. Which makes the ◼ two million dollar bail even more interesting. And it's not getting any coverage.

◼ Humboldt's record homicide rate is getting some attention, though.

Chiv's update: The Family's Statement

◼ Family of Douglas Anderson releases the only public statement they wish to make regarding the Ferrer trial - John Chiv/Words Worth

Bombshell in the Benjamin Carter case: Murder charge DISMISSED

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

Mr. Acosta requested the case go over one day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND:

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

Mr. Acosta requested the case go over one day.

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

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

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

Light at the end of the tunnel as the Ferrer case comes to a close

◼ Ferrer jury to start deliberating tomorrow at 8:30 - John Chiv/Words Worth May 14, 2015

◼ "I don't think Mr. Ferrer is the person who killed Anderson-Jordet. This man killed Anderson-Jordet." Ferrer's attorney blames victim for his own death - John Chiv/Words Worth May 14, 2015

Blaming the victim for his own death, when his own client in several versions admitted to stabbing the victim, is certainly a novel approach and in line with the insensitivity displayed throughout Ferrer's defense.

◼ "This is not a self defense case." "This is a violent punk night case." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015

◼ Ferrer closing arguments today, jury has options of second degree murder, involuntary and voluntary manslaughter - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015

◼ "This is Doug. That is where he died. This is the guy that killed him. Those are the facts of the case." - John Chiv/Words Worth May 13, 2015

Another Clanton sex-offender takes a plea deal

◼ "You will pay for this when you get out " a minor victim's father tells the man in court who got a plea deal and probation for molesting his daughter - John Chiv/Words Worth

...he got probation instead of prison.

Closing arguments in Ferrer at hand... Defense case in Arcata chef stabbing continued to sink like the Titanic

◼ People's last witness today claims that Ferrer told him that "Doug came at him with a knife" that he was "able to disarm Doug" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 11, 2015

◼ Ferrer's connection to Limmie Curry, aggressive punk music and a statement from Ferrer's grandmother that "he put his head down and rammed him", she denied but then was played on audio - John Chiv/Words Worth May 11, 2015

◼ The jury could start deliberating as early as Thursday this week. - John Chiv/Words Worth May 11, 2015

◼ Defense rests in Arcata chef stabbing case, People calling rebuttal witnesses - John Chiv/Words Worth May 11, 2015

◼ Recalled to the stand, Ferrer blows it by saying, "I can't recall every nook and cranny of the night" and getting testy and calling DDA's question stupid - John Chiv/Words Worth May 9, 2015

◼ "Do you think anyone deserves to die for calling someone a faggot?; "Do you think someone should die for calling someone a fat bitch?" Response from Ferrer's friend is telling - John Chiv/Words Worth May 9, 2015

◼ "If he wasn't sure he stabbed him or know extent of the injury, why get rid of the knife?" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 9, 2015

◼ Defense case in Arcata chef stabbing continues to sink like the Titanic as DDA Roger Rees cross of Ferrer and friends further bolsters prosecution theory

Fieldbrook Double Murder: Jason Arreaga's jury trial set for August 3rd

◼ Jury trial for August 3 at 8:30 a.m., Trial confirmation for July 20 at 2 p.m., Pre-trial June 29 at 2 p.m. - John Chiv/Words Worth

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

Clanton co-counsel in Meserve case

◼ Judge Miles grants DA's PC 1275.1 motion in Kailan Meserve case, Russ Clanton joins as co counsel for Kailan Meserve

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

Two million Bail for Kailan Meserve remains set, Judge finds no unusual circumstances to deviate from schedule

◼ About 20 people including Dave Meserve showed up in Courtroom 2 today to show support for Kailan Meserve. - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Rest of media covers hearings on Trevor Bohn who did not face charges yet ignores any coverage of Dave Meserve's son or Hezekiah Allen - John Chiv/Words Worth
_______________
He is, of course, innocent until proven guilty, but - that was also true in the other case.

Randy and Suzanne Cook sued by victimRandy Cook pled guilty to child endangerment (UPDATED & BUMPED)

It matters. Chiv's blog is the only one to cover this case, for months. Months, and months, and months...

May 2015:
◼ Even after having his real estate license revoked, Randall Cook continues with this realty business? Guess the rules just don't apply to him? - John Chiv/Words Worth May 6, 2015
◼ "Suzanne Cook knew of her husband's deviant sexual propensities, previous molestation and still allowed him near his grandaughter alleges lawsuit" - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2015

The title of the post includes words from the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that defendant had actual knowledge of her husband Randall Cook's deviant sexual propensities, the defendant knew that her husband had previously molested children, and yet the defendant allowed Randall Cook access to a minor, her own grandaughter.

◼ Randall Miles and Suzanne Cook sued by their grandaughter; Cook's former victim; Cook plead down original charges and was convicted in a criminal case - John Chiv/Words Worth May 1, 2015

Randall Cook was originally charged with more serious charges in the case involving his own grandaughter, plead to child endangerment in a plea deal under Paul Gallegos' administration. The victim was his own granddaughter. His real estate license has been revoked. Randall Cook spent time in jail even after the plea deal.... Now his grandaughter (through her guardian ad litem Veronica Cook, who is also the victim's mother and Randall Cook's former daughter-in-law) has filed a civil lawsuit alleging personal injury and other damages.

April 2015:
◼ Local realtor Randall Miles Cook real estate and licensing rights have been revoked by the Bureau of Real Estate, partly due to his child endangerment conviction in which the victim was his own grandaughter. - John Chiv/Words Worth April 20, 2015

December 2013:
◼ Randy Cook, local realtor plead guilty to a felony - Dec 18, 2013

Randall Miles Cook, of Cookhouse Realty, who is also a member of Humboldt Association of Realtors plead guilty to a felony on 12/17. The charge is child endangerment. PC 273 (a). This was a change in plea. Two charges of PC 288 (a) were dismissed.

February 2014:
◼ Sentencing for Randy Cook will be on March 20 - Feb 4, 2014
◼ Personal perspectives on the Cook case - Feb 12, 2014

March 2014:
◼ Local realtor Randy Cook to be sentenced today - Mar 20, 2014
◼ Local realtor Randy Cook sentenced to 270 days in County jail and led away in cuffs - March 20, 2014
◼ What is the value of a human life? It is not just Paul that irks me - March 21, 2014

May 2014:
◼ On March 20, he gets 270 days; Randall Miles Cook out on SWAP already, with no victim notification - May 6, 2014
◼ Next court date for Randall Miles Cook on June 19 - May 6, 2014 11:56AM

Review hearing on June 19. He is doing SWAP so not in custody anymore. He was sentenced to 270 days in jail. Now he is doing SWAP.

◼ 2 answers in the affirmative; only jail confirmation pending - May 12, 2014
◼ Randy Cook SWAP revoked? Hopefully yes. - May 12, 2014
◼ Randy Cook told to turn himself in to custody; does not meet SWAP criteria - May 13, 2014
◼ You, the public, deserve the credit, thanks to all who called and followed up on the Cook case - May 13, 2014
◼ Randy Cook booked back in custody - May 15, 2014

June 2014:
◼ Randall Miles Cook expected to be released 1st week of August; victim restitution addressed - Jun 19, 2014

October 2014:
◼ More allegations of child molestation forthcoming against Randy Cook - Oct 29, 2014

April 2015:
◼ Local realtor Randall Miles Cook real estate and licensing rights have been revoked by the Bureau of Real Estate, partly due to his child endangerment conviction in which the victim was his own grandaughter. - John Chiv/Words Worth April 20, 2015

Fieldbrook Double Homicide: Jason Arreaga Murder Trial continued to May 11

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

I expect to see this covered by some other local papers, but for now, John Chiv is the only one staying on top of it:

◼ A disposition and reset hearing for Jason Arreaga, tbe suspect in the double homicide that took place in Fieldbrook got continued until May 11 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Background:

Updating

◼ Fieldbrook double murder jury trial date vacated; future dates to be determined May 4 - John Chiv 3/2/15
◼ Fieldbrook double murder trial set for February 23 - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/10/15
◼ Fieldbrook double murder case dates confirmed, didcovery outstanding, defense msy continue once discovery received - John Chiv/Words Worth 1/26/15
◼ Trial setting in fatal shooting delayed - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard
◼ Fieldbrook double murder suspect in court, February trial date set - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard 1/5/15
◼ Jason Arreaga waives prelim, case to go to trial: His attorney Heidi Holmquist said that while the preliminary hearing was waived, it was with the condition the only charges against her client would be the one in original complaint. - John Chiv/Words Worth 12/17/14
◼ Gag order in Fieldbrook double homicide case; Lucerne man pleads not guilty - Juniper Rose/Times-Standard 9/20/14
◼ Fieldbrook homicide suspect Jason Arreaga prelim on Dec 17. The case is being prosecuted by DDA Zach Curtis. This hearing was in Courtroom 1 with Judge John Feeney. - John Chiv/Words Worth 11/18/14
◼ Fieldbrook homicide suspect Jason Michael Arreaga was arraigned in Courtroom 2 today. Due to the three special allegations added to the murder charges, it can affect his penalty. People have not made a decision yet about what penalty to seek. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Fieldbrook double homicide suspect pleads not guilty - KIEM-TV News Channel 3
◼ Fieldbrook homicide suspect Jason Michael Arreaga was arraigned in Courtroom 2 today. Due to the three special allegations added to the murder charges, it can affect his penalty. People have not made a decision yet about what penalty to seek. - John Chiv/Words Worth Sept 8, 2014
◼ Fieldbrook double homicide suspect pleads not guilty - KIEM-TV News Channel
◼ Second update: Fieldbrook homicide investigation confirmed - Times-Standard
◼ Updated: Homicide in Fieldbrook - Thadeus Greenson/Journal
◼ Double homicide in Fieldbrook, suspect apprehended - Mad River Union HCSO Press Release 3 Sept 4, 2014
◼ HCSO: Suspect in Fieldbrook double homicide arrested - Times-Standard HCSO Press Release
◼ Victims Named in Fieldbrook Double Homicide, Suspect Arrested on 101 Near Loleta - Andrew Goff/LoCo Sept 4, 2014
◼ Third Update: Victims identified, arrest in Fieldbrook double homicide - Juniper Rose/Times-Standard
◼ Fieldbrook double homicide suspect(s) arrested. Sheriff's office: Eureka residents shot after argument - Juniper Rose/Times-Standard
◼ (UPDATING) Sheriff’s Office Responding to Suspected Homicide in Fieldbrook - LoCo 3 Sept 3, 2014