Evelyn Griffith Natt obituary

 

Allen McCloskey sumitted this obituary and photo of his Grandmother Mrs. Evelyn Natt. 

Autopsies reveal victims in double homicide died of gunshot wounds

 

(Albers)

HCSO issued an update this morning  regarding the autopsies in the Russell Albers double homicide case. 

Albers was arraigned this afternoon. Three protective orders were filed and served on Albers in court. 

The complaint as currently filed has 11 counts and  special allegations. Since the investigation is ongoing, the complaint could be amended. I had already reported that Albers was booked with a no bail status.  m Judge Kelly Neel kept the no bail status at arraignment but it is without prejudice. This means defense can file future motions regarding bail.

PG & E is awarding 150 scholarships to students in Central and Northern California

PG & E is awarding 150 scholarships to students in Central and Northern California. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24 and the awards total more than $200K.

More details in press release just issued by PG & E.

CA OES, Humboldt OES open assistance center to aid community members impacted by the earthquake

Recovery efforts continue for those impacted by the Dec. 20 earthquake. 

In partnership with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) to aid community members impacted by the earthquake in Humboldt County. 

Tis the season for change of pleas

 

At trial confirmation today, defense requested a continuance in Rachel Bowler's case. Trial setting/ change of plea is scheduled for 1/30/23.

Bowler intends to accept DA's offer and resolve her DUI case at the next court date. 

Bowler was arrested by the Eureka Police Department on July 2 for VC 23152 (a) and VC 23152 (b).  Bowler has a prior DUI conviction from 2016. In her 2022 case, Bowler is charged with two counts and a special allegation.

Will the Judge accept Joseph Boxell's conditional plea?

 

Right before his jury trial, on December 5, second 4th of July suspect Joseph Boxell resolved his cases with a conditional plea. Sentencing took place this morning.

What I reported yesterday confirmed in today's court press release

I already reported yesterday on Judge Steven Steward's enrobing ceremony. Humboldt Superior Court and that he is assigned to criminal court. Prior to that I had also reported on possible 2023 court assignments.

Humboldt Superior Court sent out a press release this evening confirming what I had posted.

DA never filed charges for Russell Albers October 2022 arrest

 

(Dec 2022 booking photo)

Double homicide suspect Russell Albers is on no bail status until arraignment.  He will stay in custody unless a Humboldt Superior Court Judge choses to change his bail status.

According to the jail log, Russell was and booked into the Humboldt County Jail on a Ramey warrant for two counts of PC 187 (a) murder, one count of PC 207 (a) kidnapping, one count of PC 245 (a) (2) assault with a firearm, one count of PC 273.5 (a) domestic violence, one count VC 2800.2 evading law enforcement and VC 2800.4 evading an officer by driving in the opposite direction of traffic.

The charges in the jail log are different than the ones in the HCSO press release and make more sense. I did reach out to both HCSO PIOs.

As I reported previously, Albers had been arrested in October 2022 for domestic battery. 

Criminal protective order served on Daniel Fernandez-Ralls

 

Daniel Fernandez Ralls was arraigned on 12/27. Public Defender's office was appointed and Ralls was served with a criminal protective order. Bail was set $190,000.There are two alleged victims for the attempted murder charge. Complaint details for Count 1, special allegation and Count 2 posted below.

Doors at the 5th and H post office have been like this for three weeks

 

At least three weeks. There was an earthquake last week. I sent a tweet with these photos to Representative Jared Huffman, Senator Mike McGuire and Governor Gavin Newsom. Safety of post office employees & constituents matter?

Judge Steward assigned to criminal court

 

The powers to be at Humboldt Superior Court which includes Humboldt Superior Court Operations Manager Kelly Nyberg have finally decided 2023 court assignments. 

Humboldt Subs latest owner of Subway on 4th Street in Eureka

Subway on 4th Street in Eureka has had a few changes in ownership. Humboldt Subs is the latest owner. New ownership has resulted in some menu and staff changes. 

https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ca/202020910250

U.S. Forest Service employee charged with attempted murder, assault and domestic violence

 

I did two posts on Matthew Salmon last week. He was arrested for the attempted murder of his wife. I followed up with Eureka Police Department after the arrest. 

I reported in October on suspect wanted for double homicide on Crane Street

 

(Crane 2022 booking photo)

I reported on Rusell Albers who was arrested in October 2022 for domestic battery. No charges have been filed by the DA for the October 2022. Albers had posted bond for the October 2022 arrest and out of custody arraignments have been taking two months or more to file.

Contrary to reports elsewhere, EPD was not on scene at the Crane street incident last night

(Crane 2022 booking photo)

I emailed Eureka Police Department as well as HCSO this morning to inquire about last night's incident. 

EPD Crime Analyst Brittany Powell told me, "This incident occurred in the County jurisdiction of Eureka.  EPD was not on scene. "

HCSO is the lead agency. I reported on Rusell Albers who was arrested in October 2022 by HCSO for domestic battery. He is the suspect wanted for double homicide in the Crane Street incident.

Prior to the October 2022 arrest and this December 2022 arrest warrant, Albers has four cases in the Humboldt Superior Court system including two convictions in a 2004 and 2009 case. 

Guy who bought glock into the Courthouse got a slap on the wrist plea and now case dismissed

 

On 12/23/22, Jonathan Palmer successfully completed the DEJ for his 2021 case and it was dismissed by the People.

On December 23, 2021, Palmer entered a plea for a deferred entry of judgement for  12 months. Pamer pleaded guilty to unlawfully bringing a .40 caliber Glock pistol into the courthouse. Palmer used to operate North Coast Legal Support Services.

Elvine-Kreis should never have been assigned the Meserve habeas corpus hearing

 

Convicted rapist Kailan Meserve's habeas corpus hearing had been assigned to Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis at trial assignment on 12/15/22. It did start on December 19 as scheduled but as court minutes indicates it proceeded with Judge Kaleb Cockrum hearing the matter. 

The three day hearing was interrupted and continued by stipulation due to the earthquake emergency.

19 year old arrested by Santa Cruz PD for issuing fake citations

 

On December 22, 2022, Santa Cruz Police received reports that fraudulent citations were issued to parked vehicles in the beach area during the evening of December 21, 2022. 

Eureka motorist brandishing semi auto arrested by CHP with assist from HCSO

 

Daniel Fernandez-Ralls was arrested by CHP yesterday for PC 417(a)(2) brandishing a weapon or firearm and PC 664/187(a) attempted murder.

Child abuse case dismissed against Tanya Brooks

 

On December 21, the case against Tanya Brooks aka Tanya Comer was dismissed and she was discharged. At the conclusion of her preliminary hearing, Judge Kaleb Cockrum did not find sufficient evidence to hold Comer to answer.

"California stands with the people of Humboldt County and the state has moved quickly to support the emergency response underway with local and tribal partners.".

Governor Gavin Newsom's press office just issued "The California Weekly." Humboldt earthquake was the first item.

Matthew Salmon was arrested for attempted murder of his wife

 

I did a post on December 20 about Matthew Salmon being arrested by Eureka Police Department for attempted murder. Salmon posted bond.

31 year old felon faces 14 years in prison

 

I did a post on Joshua Lee Harris in June when he was arrested and booked by Arcata Police Department for assault, stolen property and drugs. 

The District Attorney's office charged him with 245(a)(2) assault with a firearm and special allegation PC 12022.5 (a)  personal use of a firearm in the commission of the crime. The jury found him guilty on both charges.

Trial prosecutors were Deputy District Attorneys Trent Timm and Roger Rees. 

Actual trial coverage, court minutes give a more complete picture on verdict in Cher-ae Heights robbery trial

 

I already reported yesterday on the verdict for Aubrey Ross' trial for the robbery at Cher-ae Heights, the mixed verdict and Ross only facing five years max in prison because the jury did not find the special allegation to be true. 

Aubrey Ross was found guilty of PC 211 but not guilty on the special allegation of using a gun during the commission of the crime. 

Posted below are the detailed court minutes from yesterday done by Humboldt Superior Court Operations Manager Kelly Nyberg. For a complete picture on the verdict, read more than the press release from the DA.

CHP investigating hit and run after deceased male found on 299

 

Jury returns mixed verdict in Cher-ae Heights robbery case

(2022 booking photo)

Jurors in Cher-ae Heights robbery trial returned a mixed verdict after lunch. Less than 10 hours of deliberation.

Aubrey Ross was found guilty of PC 211 but not guilty on the special allegation of using a gun during the commission of the crime. 

The special allegation verdict means Ross' potential exposure in prison went from 15 yrs down to 5 yrs. Ross was remanded into custody with status changed to no bail. He had previously posted bond.

Bench warrant issued for man charged with showing porn to a minor and other sex crimes

 

On 12/14, alleged molestor Darrel Tatro failed to appear for his preliminary hearing. A bench warrant was issued for $35,000 and held until 1/26/23.

Cher-ae Heights robbery case loses 1 juror and one day of deliberation

 

(2016 booking photo)

Jurors in Cher-ae Heights robbery suspect Aubrey Ross case started and did a couple of hours of deliberation on 12/19. The courthouse was closed due to the earthquake on 12/20. Juror's resumed deliberations at 1:30 on 12/21. On 12/22, when they left for lunch, they had put in eight hours of deliberations. 

After three hours of deliberations, they had to switch out an alternate. So the current jury has been deliberating for 5 hours.

California prosecutors oppose decriminalization of hallucinogenic drugs

Prosecutors in California strongly object to SB 58 (Senator Wiener), which seeks the wholesale decriminalization of many dangerous hallucinogenic drugs.

“This proposal recklessly puts policy before science for numerous psychedelic drugs that have proven to be highly unpredictable and have even been connected to violent crimes,” said Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA). 

Hillary Deskins arrested 4 months later for drugs

Hillary Colleen Deskins was arrested again on December 20 by HCDO for HS 11364 and HS 11377(a) possession of a controlled substance. She was released on O.R.

On September 16, I reported Deskins was arrested by Arcata Police Department for PC 487(a), grand theft. She has convictions in one 2020 traffic case and one 2022 traffic case; both guilty in absentia.

Sex offender arrested for reckless burning and failure to appear in court

Sex offender Bartholomew Clarence Hickman was arrested by Arcata Police Department on December 20 for a foreign warrant for PC 853.7 violating a written promise to appear in court, PC 290.011(a) failure to register as a sex offender and PC452 (d) unlawfully causing a fire or reckless burning.

PG & E conducting gas surveys in Humboldt

Megan McFarland, spokesperson for PG&E wanted to let customers know that over the next few days PG&E will be conducting gas safety surveys in Humboldt County. These surveys are part of PG&E’s ongoing response to the recent earthquake.

State Route 211 at Fernbridge expected to re-open at 8 p.m.

State Route 211 at Fernbridge in Humboldt County is expected to reopen as early as 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. Crews will be on-site to control the flow of traffic on both ends of the bridge.

Fortuna Elementary lawyer a no show in molestation, harassment lawsuit hearing

 

(Gibson)

In September, I did a detailed post on the lawsuit filed by John Doe vs Fortuna Elementary School District.  There was a hearing on December 2 and Fortuna Elementary's lawyer was a no show.

EPD arrests Matthew Salmon for attempted murder

On December 19, Eureka Police Department arrested Matthew Abraham Salmon for PC 664/187(a), attempted murder.

Emergency order issued for Humboldt Superior Court due to earthquake

 

PG & E says there could be multiple issues causing power outage

PG & E crews are slowly trickling in the area as of 1:45. More on the way.

While out getting coffee, I saw a few on their way out to assess the situation and overheard an exchange. An outage of this magnitude probably means multiple issues and possibly affecting the grid. They don't even know what exactly caused the issue yet. 

PG & E is also monitoring and checking gas safety issues and that can delay power being turned on.

PG & E issued an update at 2:26 p.m. that only says initial assessment done and watch for updates.  

BOS swears in Stacey Eads as DA, Courthouse closed, no BOS meeting

BOS briefly convened. Stacey Eads sworn in as Humboldt District Attorney outside. Courthouse closed to public. 

If you have County or court today, press release issued posted below.

Two earthquakes one in Fortuna, one in Rio Dell

 

Got earthquake alert at 2:39 p.m. That was after the violent shaking and power going off where I am. Power is out. A neighbor walked around with a flashlight to check on ederly neighbors.

The earthquake has Eureka trending on Twitter.

"This case highlights the inequality faced by a former, closeted, gay student working three jobs against the power of the state."

 

"This case highlights one of the basic fundamentals of our Constitution; presumption of innocence" said Ms. Andrea Sullivan."

"This case highlights the inequality faced by a former, closeted, gay student working three jobs against the power of the state."

"That 23 year old never had a chance to defend himself against his interrogators."

Jurors and alternates in Cher-ae Heights Casino robbery suspect Aubrey Ross' trial listened attentively and in silence as Ms. Sullivan presented her closing argument this morning. From the reactions of a few jurors, her remarks were a home run.

Jury to deliberate fate of Cher-ae Heights robbery suspect

 

Closing argument by Ms. Andrea Sullivan and rebuttal by Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal concluded this morning in the jury trial for Aubrey Ross. He posted bond and is out of custody. Ross looks very different than his 2016 booking photo.

HCSO Investigator Scott Hicks' mistakes in the investigation of this six year old case about a robbery at Cher-ae Heights Casino ended up being the focus of both attorneys' remarks this morning.

Brief closing instructions were given by Judge Hinrichs after lunch. Ross' fate is now in the hands of the jury. Ross has also worked at Blue Lake Casino.

DA files for extension of restraining order against Chad Smith

 

District Attorney's office has filed an exyension for the restraining  order against convicted molestor Chad Smith who is in prison. Assistant Deputy DA Stacey Eads also filed a declaration.

Bayside burglar in custody with help of community and neighborhood watch

 

A man wanted in connection to numerous burglaries in the Bayside community is now in custody.

Virginia, thank you for keeping your promise

 

On December 5, I did a post on Lee retiring. I sent that post to several people including law enforcement, attorneys Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass who see Lee on a daily basis.

Alleged molestor arrested for sex acts with child 10 years or younger

Carlos Alejandro Chavez-Mendoza was arrested on a Ramey warrant by HCSO yesterday for PC 288 (a) lewd and lascivious acts with a child and PC 288.7 (b) oral copulation or sexual penetration with child 10 years or younger.

43 years to life in prison for Isreal Nathaniel Soria

 

Isreal Nathaniel Soria was sentenced to 43 years to life for attempted murder and burglary on December 15. 

Jeffrey Barrett, Jr arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor

19 year old Jeffrey Raymond Barrett, Jr was arrested by HCSO yesterday on a Ramey warrant for PC 272 (a) (1) contributing to the delinquency of a minor and PC 487 (a) grand theft. He was released on O.R.

Judge Steve Steward assigned to juvenile court?

 

Former Deputy District Attorney Steve Steward who was elected this June as the newest Humboldt Superior Court Judge has been assigned to Courtroom 7 which hears juvenile court cases, according to one source. He has not been assigned to family court according to another source. 

DA intends to ask for prison time for convicted drug dealer

On December 13, 2022 Jose Lomeli Osuna pled guilty to all the charges and enhancements he faced following his September 15, 2022 arrest by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (DTF).  

Amber Mentink resisted arrest for battery on cohabitant

On Dec. 13, 2022, at about 10:27 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 1100 block of Freshwater Road in Freshwater for the report of a domestic disturbance.