Opening arguments start in alleged fight and stabbing incident at the Arcata Community Center

Another case that made the headlines and will this be the final chapter?

No other media is here or aware that this case is starting today and I will have detailed daily coverage of this trial if this case is of interest to you.

Jury selection was completed yesterday and opening arguments are starting in minutes this morning for the jury trial for Phoenix Campbell-Loya in Courtroom 2. 

DDA Roger Rees is prosecuting the case, Ms. Meagan O' Connell from the Public Defender's office is representing Campbell-Loya and Judge Marilyn Miles will be the trial judge.

The charges for this jury trial are Count 1 assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm and Count 2 carrying a concealed dirk and dagger. The alleged victims are Elijah Hansen and William Hardnick.

There are only two witnesses for the People and depending on the defense's case, this will be a short trial. At the end of the today's court session, the People are calling another witness.

Between the preliminary hearing and jury trial, defense requested an evaluation to see if Campbell-Loya was competent to stand trial. That delays the process until the report is completed.

Campbell-Loya was held to answer after the preliminary hearing in 2014 for the charges in this incident. The preliminary hearing charges were Count 1 assault likely to produce great bodily injury, Count 2 False imprisonment and Count 3 battery.

He has two previous convictions, one for carrying a concealed dirk and dagger and one for assault and battery to which he plead guilty.

In court today, Campbell-Loya was dressed in a white shirt and black pants and now has longer sideburns and a goatee.

Arcata Police Department Press Release:

On 11/16/2013 at about 10:00 pm, the Arcata Police Department responded to the Arcata Community Center for a report of a fight and possible stabbing. 

Upon arrival, officers learned that two males and a female had been involved in a physical fight near the entrance to the Community Center where a Too Short concert was occurring.  Event security responded and separated the parties. One of the involved males reported he had been stabbed. The other involved male fled and was pursued by security. When one of the security officers attempted to detain the fleeing man, the man stabbed the security officer in the neck with a knife. Other security officers responded and were able to detain the man until the arrival of police. 

The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The security officer was treated and released at a local hospital. The other involved male left the scene prior to officers arrival but later contacted police and declined any assistance from law enforcement. While he reported he had been injured during the altercation, he also declined medical assistance. 

Phoenix Campbell-Loya, 19 of Arcata, was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for a violation of 245(a)(1) PC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon.