Charges dismissed against Ahumadamendoza, Court opinion is evidence against Colemanis not strong

DA Investigator Ryan Hill and Rio Dell Police Chief Conner testified this afternoon for the People.

Investigator Hill's testimony was brief and about the surveillance video obtained from 81 Monument Road, a residence across the street from the crime scene.

The People rested with Chief Conners testimony at 3:55. After attorney arguments, Judge Timothy Canning, dismissed the charges against Ahumadamendoza.  Judge Canning did hold Demetrius Coleman to answer to murder and the special allegation. However, he added, "The Court is of the opinion, the evidence is not strong."

Arraignment on information is August 10.

During cross,  Coleman's attorney, Ms. Andrea Sullivan asked Chief Conner if he threatened Alma Ahumadamendoza with her child being placed in foster care if she did not cooperate. While he denied that he threatened her, Chief Conner said he did mention the likelihood of Ahumadamendoza being arrested and CWS taking her child.

Chief Conner also admitted he told Ahumadamendoza that he wanted to "put Demetrius away for murder."

Mr. Thomas Feimer, Ahumadamendoza's attorney raised some good questions about Meriah Acosta, a witness who changed her initial testimony and her second version is full of holes.

There was more testimony about Mike McHenry, including him being a convicted felon. Acosta said she accompanied Coleman to an alleged deal between him, Regina Osenbaugh and Jovan Ignjatovic at Bayfront.

Chief Conner said initially there was talk of getting rid of the green Honda as it was evidence but then McHenry called the police out of concern for Osenbaugh's safety.

There was testimony about the victim Johnny Renfro getting into an argument with one of the guys he was staying with at Fairwinds Hotel in Arcata.

As explained in other posts, more details will be added as time permits between other court coverage and news this week.

Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/07/did-marijuana-and-large-scale-cannabis.html?m=1

Related post:
(wonder if this is the same Mike McHenry)
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/01/law-enforcement-outside-bear-river.html?m=1