Ocean Alexander Del Castillo aka Kevin Magnatta was arrested by HCSO yesterday in an arrest warrant issued in a 2026 case for PC 192(c)(1) vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and VC 21651(c) driving on the wrong side of the highway that results in bodily injury or death.
The Humboldt County District Attorney filed a complaint on 8/7/26. There is no arraignment date scheduled or showing in the Humboldt court sytem.
The City of Rio Dell is very fortunate to have Rio Dell Police Chief Joshua Phinney and Rio Dell Fire Department Chief Ryan Heussler. Both provided me prompt, transparent and well written responses to the arrest of Jeremy Beauchaine which I added to the post I did earlier this morning.
3:58 p.m. The guy in the beige shorts and white shirt just walked up to me on 5th street near Burger King, would not move, kept blocking me as I tried to keep walking, took a swing, I had to step off the sidewalk while there was cars driving by to avoid a punch. Wouldn't listen, just move, just kept demanding stuff from me including a "smoke" and was not fazed when I mentioned calling Eureka Police.
5:42 Saw this guy again on 4th and K near jail parking lot yelling, said something violent and racist to me after I had crossed the street to avoid him.
"You are going to get the police called on you," I yelled back. He scampered away on 4th street and was out of sight.
I did not call EPD. They are busy as usual.
He isn't the only zombie or crazy on 101. Another guy white shorts, black and white shirt near the gas station on 4th and L screaming his lungs as he does every morning, afternoon and night.
Never seen these guys before. Nor the several campers with various out of state license plates. The City of Eureka and County of Humboldt elected officials just ignore this, they go home where they don't get bothered.
More out of the area potential benefit seekers. Got to keep those numbers up to get more DHHS grants. Locals who live in the area get their benefits cut to accomodate out of towners who just showed up. EPD removes one abandoned vehicle and another shows up minutes later to take its place. Make Parking Lots great again will kvetch online, diss those struggling and working and living in affordable housing but also hang out with "King Rex and Miles." They say they want to Make Eureka Great Again, their actions say the opposite.
When have they said thank you to EPD, me or those actually working to make Eureka better and safe?
I am going to call these selfish Humboldt scrooges every chance I get. I volunteered plenty for them before I started reporting. The people they fund to run for office or heap praise on at the pre chosen award dinners and events parrot the same talking points and do their bidding. These cheap users and misers do nothing except what benefits them. They do not back the blue unless they need them.
It isn't like this everywhere. It is Humboldt. Most here have not traveled the country, let alone been around the world multiple times.
5:44 p.m.saw Eureka Police vehicle with lights and sirens turn from I onto 4th headed towards Broadway.
5:45 p.m. Saw another EPD officer, no lights and siren turn the exact corner in that direction.
12% TOT for the walking dead, racist insults, potential assault and zombies screaming all night. The City of Eureka can save 2027 ad dollars by just using EPD body cam footage from any day.
After endless delays, Logan Brewer Hearst finally sentenced to 11 years in prison in drug and firearm case. More details, court minutes including Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke's ruling on the Romero motion will be added later this evening.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner is Brewer-Hearst's attorney.
Details are in court minutes which I have included.
The screenshots are just three recent posts on this case which no one has followed or regularly. Most posts I do on court cases also have minor updates so readers have a chronological timeline.
Smart of Heiwa Izakaya Inc and Lily Tan applied for a liquor license. Even if they receive it by the time construction is complete, will the City of Eureka delay another restaurant and business opening? I am still waiting for Bella Italia to open. California and Humboldt make it onerous to do business.
Of course, in Humboldt, what gets approved and how fast all depends on who you know and stroking egos.
Received this tip at 8:02 a.m.
"there was a guy jeremy beauchaine that was in the booking logs today for embezzlement. I think he was embezzling from the rio dell fire department. His brother is a police officer for RDPD."
I asked the person for confirmation of the alleged claims about the Rio Dell Fire Department and the Rio Dell Police Department connection.
The jail log does list an arrest for a Jeremy Beauchaine yesterday by Rio Dell Police Department for PC 503 embezzlement. The arrest was by RDPD Police Chief Joshua Phinney. Jeremy Beauchaine posted bond. RDPD has a Sgt. John Beauchaine.
If the claim is correct, than kudos to RDPD for making the arrest.
I have contacted RDPD Chief Phinney.
His response, "John,
Thank you for reaching out. Jeremy Beauchaine was arrested for felony embezzlement, Penal Code § 503, following an investigation initiated after concerns were reported by Rio Dell Fire Chief Ryan Heussler.
The investigation identified numerous unauthorized Fire Department fuel transactions associated with Beauchaine and involving his personal vehicles, with the activity extending back several years. Fire Department staff identified the issue, promptly reported it, and have been fully cooperative and actively involved in ensuring the matter was appropriately investigated.
I can also confirm that Jeremy Beauchaine is the brother of Sergeant John Beauchaine of the Rio Dell Police Department. That relationship did not affect how this matter was investigated or handled.
I believe this case demonstrates the importance both the Rio Dell Police Department and Rio Dell Fire Department place on transparency, accountability, and applying the same standards regardless of who may be involved or who they may be related to.The matter remains an active criminal case, so I will be somewhat limited in providing additional details at this time. Respectfully,"
9:45 a.m: I also received confirmation from another source that Jeremy Beauchaine is Sgt. John Beauchaine's brother. This other source told me that Jeremy Beauchaine's alleged embezzlement was using a credit card issued by the Rio Dell Fire Department for personal use.
I have contacted Rio Dell Fire Department Chief Ryan Heussler.
Chief Heussler responded, "Good Afternoon Mr. Chiv,
Please see below statement in regards to the arrest of Mr. Beauchaine
From the Rio Dell Fire Protection District:
In a recent audit of bills a discrepancy was found triggering an internal investigation. At that time Mr. Beauchine was immediately placed on Administrative leave and removed from all district property. Upon review with the local Rio Dell Police Department, Mr. Beauchaine's administrated leave was extended and the case turned over to RDPD. As this is an ongoing investigation, we respect the process and have no further information at this time. "
I checked Humboldt Superior Court and Jeremy Beauchaine has a 2008 conviction in a CHP traffic case.
I have already reported on what will be discussed at the hearing today for murder suspects Tselin Lincoln and William Warren including Warren possibly getting a new attorney, his current attorney's motion to file declaration under seal. The setting of preliminary hearing dates and motion to compel has been continued several times. The screenshots are three recent posts I have done with details on all the above. An update from today will be added to the post on the blog.
Update: Once again, continuance for motion to compel and setting of preliminary hearing continued to 8/26. There is also a request for an in cameta hearing which was taken under submidsion by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. Warren's attorney, Ms. Rebecca Linkous' motion to seal her declaration was granted. Lincoln's attorney is Ms. Andrea Sullivan. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for both cases.
I have done several posts on Eureka Police officers leaving since EPD Chief Brian Stephens took over. As long as Miles Slattery is Eureka City Manager, Chief Stephens' position is secure.
Read between the lines why that one line maybe relevant to the post. I am not going to publish everything I know or why because most of Humboldt does not invest in me or cover the risk I take to report information others will not and the other media has no clue because they are not trusted by anyone who isn't the good ole boy crowd or biased parties wanting one sided narratives. The cheapest and pettiest are the Humboldt 1% scrooges who will not control me nor will I stroke their incompetent egos. Humboldt, specifically Eureka, is in decline because these old farts and their incompetent progeny and their fragile egos keep it stagnant and the same boors remain in charge. None of these scrooges want Eureka to improve. They and their sycophants are self absorbed, selfish and weak. Eureka has potential and can thrive under the right leadership.
For me to say more would require people to go on record and they have not and will not which is standard for Humboldt. Whine anonymously, let someone else take the risk and do nothing is what Humboldt does.
EPD is full of excellent officers and personnel. EPD is the #1 positive for me in Eureka.
The only current Eureka Councilmember who stood up to Miles is not running for re-election this year.
Two more veteran and experienced officers are leaving EPD. Officer Michael Shaw gave his two weeks notice. Officer Spencer Barrett applied to HCSO and nearing the end of the hiring process.
I have previously mentioned Officers Tim Marsolan, Det Richard Bise, Sgt Greg Hill left and went to the Humboldt County DA's office; Officer Jonathan Eckert to HCSO. Officer Ryan Flowers left and went to Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department. Former EPD Sgt. and DA Investigator Hill is now with the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department.
I did not write about former EPD Officer Andrew Endsley leaving because he did not go to another law enforcement agency.
If you read my reporting, I have given Chief Stephens kudos when deserved, I have also criticized him. I do not like the changes he has made which affect me as a resident and media and I have said this publicly.
I don't use anon names or gossip behind people's back. Experienced officers leaving EPD affects my daily life and yours.
Most of my regular readers have read these two posts. If you have not or need a refresher, here are the links to those posts.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/deputy-da-jessica-watson-could-not-win.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/jorden-sterling-aka-jorden-place-and.html?m=1
I also reported about Jordo's Mama Sterling's case being dismissed.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/jorden-sterling-aka-jorden-place-and.html?m=1
Jordo, formerly Jorden Sterling aka Jorden Place after his name change petition was granted this year and his boo Courtney Zanone have several lawsuits in Humboldt Superior Court. They are pro per. Mama Sterling did not want to be left out. She is also pro per, has a fee waiver, her complaints are just as mind numbing. The difference is that Melissa Sterling has a better chance than Jordo with her lawsuits because as she points out the charges against her were reduced to misdemeanors and then the case was dismissed. Melissa, that was because you were represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan. It had nothing to do with you or your legal skills. Your case was dismissed because of Ms. Sullivan and because the most incompetent Humboldt County Deputy DA Jessica Watson wanted you to testify for the People in one the cases involving your son. I already wrote what I think of that decision and Jessica Watson. Why she is still employed by the Humboldt County DA?
I do not feel sorry that you are suing the Humboldt County DA because that office bought this on themselves. I do not feel sorry for the County of Humboldt because they are useless and will just sit back and do nothing. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors should be asking Humboldt District Attorney Stacey Eads why Jessica Watson is still employed and why the County is exposed to three lawsuits because of Jessica Watson. I feel sorry for the taxpayers, HCSO and all the other people including me being sued because Jessica Watson is a lousy prosecutor who made poor choices and got owned by a pro per defendant.
I would like to remind Jordo, Courtney and Mama Sterling aka "SBunnyGirl" which is her email handle, these court documents are accessible to the media and public. I want to thank you for saving me the time and expense of requesting the arrest warrant and affadavits. I did not include all the exhibits and every page.
Melissa, compared to Jorden and Courtney, your filings are coherent and I use that term loosely. You are also not as greedy as Jordo and Courtney. Melissa, you would not be in the position to file these lawsuits if it was not for Ms. Sullivan. So if you win, you should do right by her.
It is too bad that Jorden and Courtney cannot see that I agree that the DA's office, the County of Humboldt and some at HCSO and Humboldt Superior Court deserve their arrogance to be curbed and taken to task. Anyone who reads my reporting about Humboldt knows that my independence and pursuit of truth and justice makes me different than most media and definitely the only one in local media who has consistently taken on the entrenched systems at great personal and financial risk and faced retaliation.
Three courtrooms were closed today at Humboldt Superior Court.
Courtroom 2 down which usually means no Visiting or Retired judge available. Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judges fill in a lot; mostly Retired Judge John Feeney and Retired Judge Christopher Wilson. Last month Judge Feeney was a Visiting Judge at San Diego Superior Court. I would also pick San Diego over Humboldt.
Courtroom 7 Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel & Courtroom had nothing on calendar. That could be due to training, vacation, schools back in session, a sick day.
Courtrooms 7 and 8 were also closed on Friday.
Eureka Police Department just issued this press release about the arrest of Mark Coppola at a local McDonald's for possession of suspected fentanyl.
This was yesterday evening.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟖:𝟒𝟓 𝐩.𝐦.:
At 7 p.m. this evening the Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible stabbing at the Dos Coyote inside Thunder Valley Casino.
Deputies arrived on scene within minutes and quickly took the suspect into custody. The suspect stabbed a total of five people. One victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The four other victims were treated on scene by Thunder Valley Casino EMT’s and CAL FIRE. None of their injuries are life threatening.
At this point in the investigation, it appears the suspect knew all five victims. No additional suspects are outstanding. And there is no outstanding threat to the public
Detectives are on scene and continuing with the investigation.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Deputies are on scene of a reported stabbing at Thunder Valley Casino. A suspect is in custody and there’s no active threat.
We will update when additional information is available.
I have been the only one to report on Eureka Police Department arrest and the DA charging Von Hawley Butterfield with Count 1 driving when license is suspended or revoked due to DUI. Count 2 possessing cocaine. Count 3 exhibition of speed.
The case did not even go to trial. Mr. Patrik Griego who Butterfield hired filed a motion for pre trial diversion. It was granted today by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran.
Pre trial diversion granted for 1 year and Butterfield has to complete a DMV approved defensive driving course.
A source in the business community told me Butterfield plans on leaving the area and relocating.
Fourth continuance for trial setting for. Christopher Diven. This request by defense to 8/19 to 9/16. Usually, I do not do new posts anymore for continuances but Diven has certainly family members who are out of the area, very respectful and appreciative of my work. Law enforcement also rely on updates from me on court cases while they are are busy protecting the community.
Yesterday was Day 1 of the preliminary hearing for attempted murder, assault, criminal threats and domestic violence suspect Joshua Padilla. It was continued to this morning at 9 a.m.
When I checked Courtroom 1 this morning as of 9:50 testimony was still being presented before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum.
Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims is Padilla's attorney.
Jane Doe was offered an immunity agreement. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo was appointed to represent Jane Doe after Judge Cockrum asked her if she wanted an attorney to protect her Fifth amendment right against self-incrimination.
After lunch, Padilla entered a plea and was sentenced. Details of the plea and court minutes from Day 2 have been provided.
You heard it here first.
The Court of Appeals granted the Humboldt County DA's request to disqualify Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel's request. I just looked at the order. The 8/21/26 date is vacated. Petition for mental health diversion reset for 8/24/26 and will be assigned to another judicial officer. On 8/21/26, it is scheduled in Courtroom 4.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the Daryl Jones case. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Jones attorney. The Humboldt Superior Court ruling vacated was issued by Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward, Judge Lawrence Killoran, Judge Cockrum and Judge April Van Dyke recused themselves. With Judge Neel disqualified, this leaves the option of Judge Canning, Humboldt Superior Commissioner Sarah Kaber, a Retired or Visiting Judge to hear the petition.
The apellate case number is not in e court. I looked it up. There is no opinion but on 8/17/26, what is posted below is on the docket next to 8/17/26.
"On July 9, 2026, petitioner filed a petition for writ of mandate or prohibition challenging respondent court's July 1, 2026 order denying petitioner's challenge of Judge Kelly Neel, which petitioner brought pursuant to section 170.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Respondent court denied the section 170.6 challenge pursuant to J.O. v. San Joaquin Superior Court (2026) 19 Cal.5th 753. We solicited informal further briefing. Real party in interest filed an informal opposition, but petitioner did not file an informal reply.
The court has conducted a detailed review of the record and briefing regarding this petition. It appears respondent court erred by denying petitioner's section 170.6 challenge. Assuming, without deciding, that real party in interest made a prima facie showing that petitioner's challenge of Judge Neel was a bad-faith blanket challenge under J.O., the record reflects that petitioner adequately explained the challenge by offering a good-faith basis for their belief that Judge Neel was prejudiced against them in this case. (J.O. v. San Joaquin Superior Court, supra, 19 Cal.5th at pp. 783-784.)
Therefore, let an alternative writ of mandate issue commanding respondent Humboldt County Superior Court, in case No. CR2500835, to vacate its July 1, 2026 order denying petitioner's section 170.6 challenge of Judge Neel and to enter a new order granting the challenge and reassigning the case to a different judge. In the alternative, respondent superior court may appear and show cause before Division Two of this court why a peremptory writ of mandate should not be granted. If respondent superior court complies with this court's directive on or before August 24, 2026, the court will discharge the alternative writ and dismiss the petition as moot.
Petitioner shall inform this court by letter of respondent court's decision as soon as possible. Should respondent court choose not to follow the above procedure, but instead to appear and show cause before this court why a peremptory writ of mandate should not issue, this matter will be heard before Division Two when ordered on calendar.
The alternative writ is to be issued, served and filed on or before August 17, 2026, and shall be deemed served upon mailing by the clerk of this court of a certified copy of the alternative writ and this order to respondent superior court. A written return shall be served and filed on or before August 31, 2026, and a reply to the return shall be served and filed on or before September 7, 2026. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.487(b).) If, however, respondent superior court complies with the alternative writ, and proof thereof is filed herein on or before August 27, 2026, then no return or reply need be filed, and the court will discharge the alternative writ and dismiss the petition as moot."
I am not listing all the posts I have done on the Jones case but these recent posts provide relevant information to this Court of Appeals ruling.
John Ishki Donahue and Tucker Donahue were both booked into the Humboldt County jail yesterday on a Ramey warrant for PC 459.5 shoplifting, PC 245(a)(4) assault likely to produce great bodily injury , PC 211 robbery and PC 182(a)(1) criminal conspiracy.