Criminal proceedings suspended for Hoopa teen charged with Arcata stabbing and assaulting a correctional officer, he bursts out laughing in court

Richard Dean had a disposition and hearing on three cases scheduled this afternoon in Courtroom 5.

Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads is prosecuting the case.

Dean is represented by the Public Defender's office. Ms. Kelly Neel was present in court today with Dean. Ms. Neel cited PC 1368 and "declared doubt regarding defendant's mental competency."

Judge Joyce Hinrichs said criminal proceedings were suspended in all three cases. Dr. Ramirez has been ordered to evaluate Dean. That report is due on February 25 at 2 p.m.

Before his case was called, Dean dressed in a red jumpsuit, shackled with chains around his legs and cuffed burst out laughing while another case was being heard.

Jan 11, 2016

Hoopa teen charged with Arcata stabbing adds yet charge of assaulting correctional officer

Richard Dean adds yet another charge.

Today's press release:

On Saturday, January 9, 2016, at approximately 9:45 p.m. Humboldt County Correctional Deputies were escorting homicide suspect, 18 year old inmate Richard Dean, to his cell. Once Dean’s handcuffs were removed he turned toward one of the Correctional Deputies and punched the deputy several times. The other deputies detained Dean, who continued to struggle against them. Dean was touch stunned by one of the deputies’ Taser’s and then complied with the deputies.

The assaulted Correctional Deputy was taken to a local hospital for their injuries and later released.

Dean was arrested for felony battery on a peace officer.

Nov 10, 2015

New charges filed against Hoopa teen arrested for stabbing of 52 year old in Arcata

Today, 18 year old Richard Dean already facing charges in the stabbing of 52 year old Anthony Michael Pennucci was arraigned on new charges, two felonies and three misdemeanors. Dean appeared in court in front of Judge John Feeney. He was shackled in chains and dressed in a red jumpsuit which means that the inmate is in "administrative segregation."

Count 1 attempted second degree robbery, Count 2 criminal threats with a special allegation that Dean used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime, a knife, Count 3 is vandalism and Counts 4 and 5 are petty theft. Counts 3, 4 and 5 are misdemeanors.

Bail in this new case was set at $140,000.

Deputy District Attorney David Christiansen was present for the People.

Public Defender Casey Russo entered not guilty pleas and denial of the special allegation on behalf of Dean. A 10 day time waiver was entered for the preliminary hearing. The date for that hearing in this case is December 14, with an intervention hearing scheduled for December 13.