Dare jury got it right, Watson jury did not, Anaya is not a case I followed

(Dare)

(Watson)

Since I was covering the Mark Dare sentencing and the Michael Acosta case, I did not post on the Brandon Watson sentencing. 

I wouldn't have covered it anyway. If you read my coverage of the trial, you know why. I linked the last three posts on that case.

The Anaya case is not one I was following. 

Here are all three press releases from the DA today. 

Mark Dare:

Today, Judge Christopher Wilson sentenced 59-year-old Mark Alan Dare of Humboldt Hill to the maximum term of 46 years to life in prison for sexually abusing children. The sentence follows from a trial in October 2020, in which a Humboldt County jury found Dare guilty of sexual abuse against multiple children between 2007-2012. 

Following the trial, Dare’s court-appointed attorney Russ Clanton brought a motion for a new trial, claiming that his former attorney Marek Reavis provided inadequate assistance at trial. Judge Wilson denied the motion earlier this month. 

During the sentencing hearing, survivors Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 addressed the court and spoke to the consequences of Dare’s crimes and his lack of remorse.  They, along with the District Attorney’s Office, requested the maximum sentence for Dare. 

The District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the tremendous strength shown by the survivors of Dare’s crime and their supporters. Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Whitney Timm stated that it was a privilege to see the courage and resilience they displayed throughout the lengthy proceedings. Their willingness to come forward has made our community safer and encouraged others speak out. 

DDA Timm received assistance from District Attorney Investigator Steve Dunn, District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie and DDA Carolyn Schaffer.   

My post from court this morning:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/10/defiant-unremorseful-mark-dare-gets-46.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/07/first-movement-from-watson-jury-in-day.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/06/i-dont-know-what-bars-mr-rees-goes-to.html?m=1

Brandon Watson:

Also today, Judge Lawrence Killoran sentenced Brandon Watson to 37 years to life in prison, the maximum allowable sentence, for the murder of Peter “Bo” Triantos, and for felony assault on Antony Bessellieu-Hill and Brian Edwards. The case arose from two separate incidents in which Watson approached strangers at a bar, started a fight with them, and ultimately stabbed them; a Humboldt County jury found Watson guilty of the crimes on July 1, 2021.

 The sentence includes: 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of Mr. Triantos, an additional 1 year for using a deadly weapon to commit the murder, and 11 years for the assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury to Mr. Bessellieu-Hill and Mr. Edwards.  

Mr. Triantos’ parents, Pete Triantos and Mimi Chambers, addressed Judge Killoran prior to sentencing and read letters from additional family members. Mr. Bessellieu-Hill and Mr. Edwards were also present for the sentencing.

Under current California law, because he was convicted of murder, Mr. Watson will serve every day of his sentence.

Last three posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/08/before-he-can-get-another-private.html?m=1

Anaya:

District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that today a Humboldt County jury found 27-year-old Jorge Luis Anaya guilty of felony assault with force likely to produce bodily injury (Penal Code [PC] §245(a)(4)) and misdemeanor resisting a peace officer (PC §148(a)). 

The trial stemmed from an incident on July 28, 2021, in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. According to testimony by a correctional deputy, Mr. Anaya lunged toward another inmate and punched him approximately three times in the head while they were in the recreational yard.  Each time Mr. Anaya advanced, the other inmate backed away. The correctional deputy entered the recreational yard and ordered Mr. Anaya and the other inmate to the ground. When Mr. Anaya did not comply, several deputies intervened. As deputies escorted Mr. Anaya out of the area, he proceeded to kick the other inmate in the head while that inmate was face down on the ground and handcuffed. 

At the time of the incident, Mr. Anaya was serving a sentence for violation of probation; he had been on probation for a previous felony assault and has an additional prior violation of probation. 

Deputy District Attorney Jessica Acosta prosecuted the case with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Marvin Kirkpatrick. Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner represented Mr. Anaya. Judge Wilson presided over the trial. Mr. Anaya is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2021.