Fieldbrook homicide suspect arraigned today; special circumstance affects penalty

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.

Visiting Judge William Lamb read the charges against Arreaga.

DDA Roger Rees was present for the People for arraignment and from the Public Defender's office Heidi Holmquist represented Arreaga.

Arreaga with glasses, dressed in orange and cuffed sat and listened to Ms. Holmquist as she talked to him before the arraignment. The 10 day waiver for preliminary hearing was waived and when Judge Lamb asked Arreaga if this was with his consent, he said, "Yeah."

When the Judge was reading the charges, Arreaga looked down at the floor. Arreaga is charged with two counts of murder, CA Penal Code 187 (a) with special allegations of personally and intentionally discharging a firearm; great bodily injury/death; and a special circumstances under 190.2 (a) which if proven true would result in life without parole or the death penalty being sought.

Ms. Holmquist, on behalf of Arreaga said, OR bail hearing is waived without prejudice." Mr. Rees said the Peoplde request no bail.

Press release on case:

On 09-03-2014, at approximately 5:07 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding shots fired and a deceased female at a residence in the 4400 block of Fieldbrook Road, Fieldbrook. Deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene. While deputies were enroute the Sheriff’s Office received additional calls with the callers saying the female was deceased near a trailer on the property and there was a male yelling for help in the driveway.

The first deputy arrived on scene at 5:17 p.m. The deputy immediately learned there were two victims, an adult male, later identified as Harley Wayne Hammers Jr. 37 years old, from Eureka and an adult female, later identified as Angel Robin Tully, 37 years old, from Eureka, both whom had been shot. Hammers was located by the deputy across the street from where the shooting had occurred. Medical personnel treated Hammers for gunshot wound injuries and transported him Mad River Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  Tully was declared deceased at the scene.


Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to the scene, and the California Highway Patrol, and Humboldt County Public Works assisted with closing Fieldbrook Road, from Anker Lane to Wagle Lane, which had become part of the crime scene.