Semore found guilty of second degree murder of David Ganfield

Not guilty first degree murder, guilty second degree murder, did not find special allegation true.


The jury deliberated over 13 hours and only sent in one note.

The courtroom was packed with deputy District Attorneys, DA staff, HCSO deputies and defense attorneys for the verdict.

Second degree murder sentence ranges from 15 years to life.

Mr. Clanton said his client will waive time for sentencing because "they just became aware of issues this morning that may affect the verdict" and after investigation, he will file the appropriate motion.

Sentencing is July 27 at 3 p.m.

One male juror said that not every one could agree on first degree murder.

The jury foreperson's response was "look at the definition of second degree murder."

A female juror added, "It was a hard decision but we talked through it."

The foreperson said the jury was very cognizant that "this was somebody's life. We went through each instruction, the law, the evidence very carefully."

The female juror concluded, "It was a honor to serve with such a good group of people."

Press Release from DA:

NEWS RELEASE

May 27, 2016

On May 27, 2016, a Humboldt County jury found Jonas Randall Semore guilty of second degree murder.

The charge resulted from an incident on April 28, 2015, when the defendant, Nick Johnson, and several others entered a Blue Lake home and repeatedly struck the victim, David Ganfield, in the head with a wooden bat. Mr. Ganfield was asleep when he was attacked.  Seriously injured from the attack, Mr. Ganfield was taken to the hospital but died later from his injuries.

Investigation by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with other local agencies led to the arrest of Mr. Semore on May 14, 2015 and he has been in custody since that time. Nick Johnson eluded police until January 26, 2016 when investigators from the District Attorney’s office located him in a residence on Pine Street in Eureka.  Mr. Johnson came out of the house firing a high-powered AK-style rifle and was wounded when investigators returned fire.  Mr. Johnson is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing and subsequent trial on charges stemming from the Ganfield homicide.

The investigation as to the other individuals involved in the Ganfield homicide remains open.                                               

Deputy District Attorney Roger C. Rees prosecuted the case with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Gary Cooper and District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Holly Hensher, and technical assistance from District Attorney Investigator Martin Perrone. Attorney Russell Clanton represented the defendant. The Honorable John T. Feeney, Judge, presided over the month-long jury trial.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Greg Musson, Deputy Dennis Gagnon, and Deputy Marcus Walker testified at trial, as did several community members who were present when the homicide occurred. The successful prosecution of the case relied on the community members’ testimony; their willingness to participate in the trial is greatly appreciated by the District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Maggie Fleming also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who served on the jury.

 The scheduled sentencing date is July 27, 2016. The maximum sentence for the crime is 15 years to life in state prison. Mr. Semore is 42 years old.