Your choice to wait for live, exclusive coverage

Your choice to wait for live, exclusive and accurate coverage.

Readers who read my blog know so this mainly for all the new readers this week and those who only have Facebook.

I cover 20 to 40 local daily cases including civil, cases no one else does and I offer observations from decades of experience covering courts all over the country.

Today is another busy full day with last minute changes.

No other media was in court this morning for pre trial and motion to compel discovery Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis. Preliminary hearing remains as scheduled.

 Clayton Miller, a motion to continue in Briyan Marquardt's case which was added after my last update or several other cases this morning. While these and many other cases have minor updates, I have live coverage and notes from court important to those interested in particular cases.

Attorneys in Trinidad Gomez' case met privately with Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Feeney privately this morning around 10:10. They came back at 11 to go over juror questionnaires.

So if you are interested in these or many other cases and don't see a new post, check previous posts. I will be at the courthouse all day and some posts have been updated; others today or over the weekend.

For a while now, I update my advertisers, subscribers and contributors in person. They are the ones who make it possible for the rest of you to get information. They pay my bills. I have requests from others covering local cases willing to use my work and pay for my time. I have not had a chance to respond.

I still update live, even with minor updates when I can, for free. 

My loyal readers will wait. 

For anyone else in a rush, you can pay or you can go read inaccurate or misinformation which I correct and call out. You can read random reporting hours, days and weeks later or when I report it first. I have done this for free for 12 plus years with a lot of extras such as court minutes and documents that you have to pay for or go look up yourself . Just because other local media is lazy to come up with any original ideas or niche content and trying to suddenly do random court coverage does not change what I do. 

I know my value. Either you do or you don't.

Homicide, child endangerment and welfare fraud suspect Nicole Thorpe pending extradition to Humboldt County

 

Nicole Thorpe booking photo and arrest courtesy Redkey Police Department.

Nathan LaCount arrested by HCSO for false imprisonment, assault and battery

 

I have covered Nathan LaCount since 2016.

LaCount was arrested by HCSO early a.m. for 

PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 242 battery, PC 240 assault, PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon.

Links to previous coverage have been provided.

Hillary Haskins held to answer in 2025 case, four 2024 cases trailing

 

Hillary Haskins had a preliminary hearing yesterday in her 2025 case. She also has four 2024 cases trailing.

Haskins was charged with Count 1 PC 245 (a)(4)  assault likely to produce great bodily injury as a felony; PC 273.6 (a) Count 2 violating a protective order. Alleged victim in Count 1 is Natalie Irene Harpe. 

Mr. Patrik Griego is Harpe's attorney. 

She was held to answer as charged by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. Arraignment on information is on 5/28.

Court minutes have more details.

Allpoints hires Sacramento law firm and sues County of Humboldt for violation of Outdoor Advertising Act

 

I had contacted Mr. Jeff Slack and Geoff Wills when I did this post. I did not expect to hear from Wills and I did not but that happens too often in Humboldt from a certain crowd. Whether it is an elected official or a business person or even certain local tribes; money or Humboldt "status" is irrelevant if you are unprofessional and incapable of basic decency and communication.

I saw Mr. Slack briefly today for a minute and asked about AllPoints and Mr. Slack said that he does not comment on ongoing or potential litigation. 

I did several posts on another lawsuit against the County of Humboldt. Janssen Malloy's Jeff Slack and Frank Martin already won against the County in that lawsuit.

I had checked on May 9 and there was no writ filed by AllPoints. When I checked today, there was a writ of mandate filed by Allpoints Outdoor Inc vs County of Humboldt et al. It alleges violation of the Outdoor Advertising Act.

Allpoints Outdoor Inc Is represented by Mr. Daniel Cucchi and Mr. Jeffrey Crosswhite, both are with Sacramento law firm Avdis and Cucchi, LLP. There is no date scheduled yet.hours 

Why have they ignored these two lawsuits? If these lawsuits show up on other local media sites after this post; case closed.

Katrina Earley bursts into tears as guilty verdict for first degree murder was read shortly after 4:11 today

Less than 24 hours to reach another guilty verdict. Jake Combs convicted, again, for killing Trevor Earley.

Minutes after their last note with clarifications on jury instructions about the special allegation. and just after 4 p.m.,  there was a verdict in the Jake Combs case. At 4:11 jurors entered the courtroom.

Katrina Earley burst into tears as the guilty verdict was read for first degree murder. The jurors also found the special allegation true that Combs personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the comission of the crime.

The foreperson was a female juror. 10 men and two women were on the jury. 

At 4:23 jurors asked to step outside. On record, there was discussion about aggravated factors and two "bifurcated issues." Trevor Earley's age; he was 25 and whether the crime was vicious and cruel.

Combs waived his right to a court trial and bench trial on two issues of bifurcation. Judge Cockrum asked Combs about the waiver and confirmed," There will be no jury trial or Court trial about aggravating factors set by statute. "

Of course, outside the presence of the jurors, Combs mouthed off on the criminal justice system, "I want to waive the whole fucking thing. Your honor realistically, I just want this over."

Combs chose to go through this and put Trevor's family through this; again. He chose to go through a retrial and reject the People's offer. Combs was held accountable by a jury for the second time for murder and the second allegation. Combs can waive his right to appeal  if he is really "sorry." 

At 4:27 jurors came back in and were thanked and excused.

Preliminary hearing in the new case he picked up is May 27. Defense attorneys will reach out to Ms. Timm about a resolution.

Sentencing on this murder case is on July 31. A referral has been made to probation about the current sentence he is serving and the county.

When I shot him, I snapped." The moment Combs said this, I knew. When I watched Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm give her closing and then I looked at the jury,  I knew. 

I did not say anything until the verdict out of respect for the family.

Not all of the jurors waited around to speak with attorneys today. I understand why.

Exclusive: Six or seven jurors did stay but they were in a side room. Based on the questions and notes, obviously there was discussion about manslaughter and murder. People go in with one view but the important result is that they all eventually agreed on murder.

There was emotion in some of the jurors' eyes as they left the courtroom, I too was emotional and shaken. For days, Katrina Earley was stoic. Surrounded by loved ones she had to endure a retrial from a selfish, unrepentant murderer. To hear a mother sob again, in pain, was very difficult.

If you read my coverage on this retrial, I already said from the beginning that Combs would regret not taking the plea offer and that his public defenders were no match for Ms. Timm.

I reported on Combs' new case for possession of meth in jail and his prior felony conviction last August and was the first one to do so months ago.

There were three extra bailiffs in the courtroom, in addition to the Courtroom 1 bailiff.

Only Times Standard and I were in court for the verdict.

Since we were here until very close to 5 p.m. yesterday, the clerk did get the cover sheet done for court minutes which I have included. I am sure the detailed minutes will be added when she has a chance. She also has today's cases starting at 8:30. Maybe one of her supervisors could help out, hint! hint!

Letter writer calls out Supervisor Arroyo's remarks about HCSO agenda item at yesterday's meeting

 

I don't have a letter to editor section. I am making an exception and including this in a post.

This letter addressed to Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo was sent to me as well as other local media outlets at 1:27 p.m. The letter writer requested anonymity.

Let's see if other media publishes this letter.  If they do, will they keep the letter writer's identity anonymous? This includes the first name which I chose not to publish.

"Supervisor Arroyo,

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding your comments at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting during discussion of Agenda Item 26-434, Consider the Establishment of an Independent Civilian-Led Oversight System for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

While I respect that differing viewpoints are part of a healthy discussion, the tone and delivery of several of your remarks were off-putting. Your statement that you were “…surprised it isn’t more embraced,” accompanied by laughter and flippant behavior throughout your statements, came across as dismissive of the perspectives and concerns shared by members of our department.  Please be reminded that you also said, “Some of you may disagree with me and that’s fine—that’s the beauty of democracy.” That principle is important, and it is one that applies to all of us, yourself included, when you feel we aren’t “embracing” this item.

Additionally, your comment that the presence of law enforcement in the chambers felt “intimidating” was concerning to many of us. The men and women you referenced—whether in uniform or business attire as both were present, were present to engage in the process, just as any other group would be. We have attended these meetings to represent our profession and to remain informed and involved in decisions that directly affect our work and the community.  I have yet to hear you be intimidated by any other group that has represented their office or organization.

While I can only assume the “intimidation” came from the six employees in uniform, please let me remind you of the significance of that uniform.  The uniform represents individuals who face difficult and often dangerous situations every day in the course of their duties. These are professionals who routinely encounter circumstances most people will never experience in their lifetime yet continue to serve with commitment and professionalism. Beyond their roles in law enforcement, they are also parents, spouses, coaches, volunteers, and active members of this community. When they take that uniform off, they go home to their families. They are the parents helping with homework after long shifts, the spouses holding their households together, the coaches on the field, and the volunteers showing up for their communities. They carry what they see and experience into those roles, often quietly, and continue to give of themselves.  I’m sorry that the “intimidation” didn’t allow you to see how genuine these humans are.

It was also discouraging to hear their presence characterized in a way that suggests unease or apprehension, when we have all consistently demonstrated respect for this process, even while listening to criticism and, at times, mischaracterizations of our work.

Supervisor Bushnell expressed that she is “…saddened that this has created a division in our community.” That concern is one we can all share. However, the words chosen by those in leadership, yourself included, and the way in which they are delivered, carry weight and can either help bridge that divide or deepen it.

We remain committed to serving this community with professionalism and integrity, and I ask that those entrusted with leadership approach these discussions with the same level of respect.

This letter was initially signed. However, out of fear of retaliation, I have removed my name. What an unfortunate world we live in."

Jake Combs jurors request readback of full testimony of Jake Combs and one witness

 

(Combs)

Exclusive from courtroom.

11 a.m. There is a note from the jury in Jake Combs murder case. I saw Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm headed towards Courtroom 1, followed her on a hunch. Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg was there. No one else except DA Victim Witness Advocate. Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton arrived at 11:03.

Juror #8 was slightly late. The questions they asked were if they could get the Combs 'original interview from 2022 when he was arrested and Elias Antunez' first interview. If not, they wanted readback of full interview of Antunez and Combs.

The readback is what attorneys agreed to and so court reporter has to prep and then this will take hours.

I already reported earlier that jurors started deliberations yesterday at 3:48p.m. This morning they were supposed to start at 9:15.

I have the questions they asked since I was in the courtroom. 

Robert Schaulis from Times Standard came in after everything concluded. No other media here. 

3:55 p.m. : 3:55 another note from jurors in Jake Combs case. Question was about "verdict form" but it was a jury instruction. After discussions with attorneys, Judge Kaleb Cockrum sent response with specific jury instructions and what charges they correspond to; it looks like they are discussing first degree, second degree murder and manslaughter. 

The CALCRIM correct jury instructions they were provided were 3149 for page 2 pertaining to  special allegation first degree and second degree murder and 3146 pertaining to special allegation to manslaughter.

4:06 p.m. The family and all of Trevor's loved ones are on the second floor right now.

HCSO' loss; Humboldt County District Attorney's gain

 

HCSO' loss; Humboldt County District Attorney's gain. One of my and local favorite HCSO deputies and current Courtroom 3 bailiff Luke Mathieson is waiting on a background check and soon will be DA Investigator Mathieson. Cropped my photo of the Humboldt County DA's office because I did not want to post any employees. I will try and get another photo later.

Christopher Smith's arrest is what will happen repeatedly if CA elects another Democrat governor

I appreciate Eureka Police Department's press release about Christopher Smith and I almost did not post it because I have more than enough original content and drugs and probation violation are a daily occurrence and multiple times.

Meth, probation violation, burglary and more time wasted by Eureka Police Department thanks to California Governor Gavin Newsom and the anti law and order Democrat party.

Three years later and after endless continuances, alleged molestor Sebastion Hockett is going to enter a plea sometime today

 

Three years later and after endless continuances, alleged molestor Sebastion Hockett is going to enter a plea sometime today. First, it was at 1:30, then 10:15, now it may be sent to another department. First change was  due to requests by Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer and Public Defender Luke Brownfield, then due to the availability of Jane Doe 2's mother which is only until 10 a.m. and she appeared by Zoom and other individuals present with DA Victim Witness Advocate. 

At attorneys' request, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward sent the case to Judge Kaleb Cockrum so the plea could be taken while Jane Doe 2's mother was present.

Update: Hockett pleaded guilty to PC 288.7(b) Count 1 oral copulation with a minor 10 years or younger; victim Jane Doe 1 and Count 8 PC 288 (a) lewd and lascivious act upon a minor; victim Jane Doe 2. Court minutes have more details including counts dismissed, sex offender registration and potential sentence. Sentencing is on 6/26.

I just did a post yesterday and on May 7 which if you have not read, you can search and access on the blog or Google.

Thank you EPD Animal Control

 

Took this photo at 8:04 thid morning on my way to the Courthouse. If this is the car with the dog barking non stop for the last few days disturbing people blocks away, thank you Eureka Police Department.

Deputy DA Rees and Judge Killoran fix Retired Judge Wilson's mistake and alleged molestor Derek Barnett gets cuffed and booked into jail

 

I just did a post on May 9 which has details and charges and Retired Humboldt Superior Judge Christopher Wilson's bad decision not to remand Derek Barnett. Deputy District Attorney Jessica Watson appeared on the case that day.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm who is the prosecutor for this case has been busy for days and weeks with the Jake Combs homicide retrial.

Yesterday it took Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to protect the public.

In CR2403934, motion for OR withdrawn, court minutes do not indicate why but defense would be obvious. Bail in this case is $35,00. Preliminary hearing is on 5/21.

In CR2601350, Mr. Rees requested remand and Judge Killoran granted the request. OR bail is withdrawn. Bail is $25,000. Pre trial on 5/21. This case is trailing.  Trial confirmation on 6/9; jury trial 6/12.

Three years later, attempted murder suspect James Atkins case confirmed for trial

 

After several continuances, attempted murder suspect James Atkins jury trial for his 2023 case was confirmed today. It is scheduled for 5/26.

Humboldt County Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. LA  attorney Anthony Tall represents Atkins.

In my August 2024 post, I reported on amended charges. I have provided links to previous coverage.

Fraud and California make national and regional headlines

 

Even though regional and national liberal media covered this, you won't see this in the usual liberal local media outlets. After I call them out does not count.

HCSO did not inform you, the other media didn't cover it; I have been the only one to report on the DA's petition to declare convicted felon Justin Patrick a sexually violent predator

 

I covered convicted felon Justin Patrick's 2016 case and I am the only one who has reported and done posts on the Humboldt County District Attorney's petition to declare Patrick a sexually violent  predator.

HCSO did not inform you. The other media did not; I did. Of course, they may follow up on it now. The screenshots are of three posts with court documents and Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson's ruling.

Today, there was another setting for the court trial to have Patrick declared a SVP. It was continued again to 6/12 due to outstanding medical records.

Minor future updates will be added to this post.

Court of appeal reverses Humboldt court ruling; says County demurrer should not have been granted in former court reporter lawsuit against County and awards Janssen Malloy costs on appeal

 

In April 2024, I was the first one to report on a lawsuit filed by former court reporter. No one covered that lawsuit. I did several posts on that case and my last post was on March 2025.

Kay Marie Gibbs against County of Humboldt. I recognized the name because Kay was one of the best Humboldt Superior Court reporters. She worked for the local courts for almost 40 years.

Del Norte Superior Judge Darren McElfresh was assigned to the case. Mr. Patrik Griego represented Gibbs pro bono. Mr. Griego is senior partner at local law firm Janssen Malloy. 

The County of Humboldt was represented by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, a Fresno law firm.

Judge McElfresh consistently ruled against Gibbs and Mr. Griego. I like Kay, I knew her and was very disappointed by the ruling. Kay worked for the local courts for 40 years.

Today, Mr. Griego told me, "The court of Appeal just reversed the trial court and held that the trial court should not have granted the County’s demurrer to our complaint.

The Court of Appeal remanded the case back to the trial court and awarded us and awarded us our costs on appeal."

First page and first line of second page:

Plaintiff Kay Marie Gibbs, a former employee of defendant Humboldt County, was a court reporter who worked for the Humboldt County Superior Court for almost 40 years. As she neared retirement, she learned that the county had failed to enroll her in the California Public Employees’

Retirement System (CalPERS) during the early years she was working for the court. Her first and second amended complaints against the county and three individual county employees alleged a Kafkaesque scenario in which bureaucratic impediments, indifference, or malfeasance thwarted her attempts to resolve the problem.

The trial court sustained defendants’ demurrers to the complaints and denied her the opportunity to file another amended complaint. On appeal, Gibbs argues that the court erred in doing so. We largely agree and therefore reverse."

Dispostion:

"The judgment entered following the sustaining of defendants’ demurrers is reversed as to the second and third causes of action in Gibbs’s first amended complaint and the negligence cause of action in her second amended complaint. The case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Gibbs shall recover her appellate costs."

Some extra information. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore is the same firm who tried to threaten me with potential legal information for valid reporting.

Links to all previous coverage I did can be accessed via the search feature on the blog or you can just go to the First District Court of Appeal website and read the entire ruling which provides factual and procedural background which will be easier and it is in one document.

Key updates in several cases yesterday; hopefully Sebastion Hockett and Trinidad Gomez will resolve cases today

Updates and developments in several court cases of interest from yesterday.