"I know the family of Father Eric Freed will appreciate the completion of the justice process in this case."

(Fr. Eric Freed)

I contacted District Attorney Maggie Fleming. Her response:

"John,

The appeal process in the Bullock case has been closed by the issuance of a “remittitur” by the California Supreme Court.  The Court of Appeals had previously affirmed the judgement of the trial court here in Humboldt County – that judgement stands.

I know the family of Father Eric Freed will appreciate the completion of the justice process in this case.

Thank you

Maggie"

I also contacted former Deputy District Attorney and local criminal defense attorney Allan Dollison. Allan, has correctly, explained many legal procedures on the blog in his comments and predicted many outcomes on several cases.

"This means that after Bullock lost at the Court of Appeal, he sought review before the CA Supreme Court.

Major difference is that every Defendant gets an opportunity for the Crt of Appeals to review their case, but the Supreme Court has to be convinced to take a case, which is exceedingly rare, like less than 5% of the time.

In the Bullock case they have declined to review the case, which is the Court also saying "We agree with the Court of Appeals."

After they denied review it was transferred back to the Court of Appeals. After a short time has passed, they issued the Remittitur which then sends the case back to the Trial Court.


Since the Judgment was affirmed there is no action necessary by the Courts in Humboldt and the case is now complete.

The only other chance that Bullock would have is to seek a Habeas Corpus Writ to review something outside the record of the case. Defendants can do that in either State or Federal Court. There are time limits that apply (especially in Federal Court), but for all intents and purposes Bullock has a future of life in prison without parole.

He should consider himself lucky that he did not get the Death Penalty which was not sought by the DA's office."