He was sad for the victims, he was sad for Bodhi Tree

Sgt. Martinez said witnesses bothered and worried and concerned someone might see them talking to the police. He is continuing his testimony about interviewing witnesses in the Bodhi Tree case.

"He was sad for the victims, he was sad for Mr. Tree." The statement in the title was made by Ian Henry, according to Sgt. Martinez.

19 people were personally interviewed by Sgt. Martinez. Names were either given by civilians from the Eye Street house. Sgt. Martinez said he was concerned about Sean Butler-Smith's safety because he was providing vital information in a double homicide.
When he saw Smith at a skate park, he checked on him. It was at this time that Smith shared information on the Eureka shoting of Rhett August.

At a later date when Smith was brought in for questioning at APD by EPD Det. Peter Cress. A syringe with fluid was found on Smith. Unlike a cheerful demeanor at the skate park, Smith was worried about getting sick. Smith was known to Sgt. Martinez as a heroin addict.

Smith had a syringe with liquid in it and it was reddish in color and Sgt. Martinez guessed it was probably heroin based on his knowledge of Smith. He did admit to returning Smith's heroin back to him. "I didn't want him to worry about getting sick," said Sgt. Martinez. "I wanted him to focus on his interview with Det. Cress. I had to decide what was important." Sgt Martinez then said, "I believe I mishandled that" referring to his decision to give Smith back his heroin.

Ms. Firpo asked Det. Martinez if he ever said that he would withold  Smith's drugs and that Smith had to speak to Detective Cress. Sgt. Martinez said no. Sgt. Martinez also mentioned a note that had been forwarded to him from the Humboldt County Jail in which Smith asked Sgt. Martinez's help. This was "weeks after the homicide" and Sgt. Martinez described the note as "ramblings from a heroin addict seeking assistance to get out of jail." Sgt. Martinez said that he threw the note away and that there was nothing relevant to the case.