"Keeping Josiah's memory alive is paramount to this case"

On this day three years ago HSU Student David Josiah Lawson was murdered in Arcata. This case remains under investigation and the Arcata Police Department is seeking the public's assistance during the on-going investigation.


On April 15, 2017, while attending a house party on Spear Avenue, Josiah was stabbed during an altercation. Josiah was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital.

Witnesses described upwards of 100 people in attendance at the house party. Many of those who were present have not been identified nor have they been interviewed by Detectives from the Arcata Police Department. The completion of this investigation is dependent on a number of factors including interviewing all people who were present at some point during the party or who have information that can corroborate what occurred that night.

The Arcata Police Department established a 24 hour confidential tip line for community members to provide information relative to this investigation.  The phone number is (707) 825-2590.  Community members can also call the APD's Dispatch Center at (707) 822-2424. 

Keeping Josiah's memory alive is paramount to this case. The Arcata Police Department will continue to investigate this case and will continue to work all investigative leads until justice prevails.

There is also a Public Service Announcement developed in partnership with  DJ's Mother, Charmaine Lawson, the Arcata Police Department, the Eureka Broadcasting Company and the City of Arcata's IT Department.