APD looking for murder suspect Gregory Mattox for the death of Joshua Gephart

Arcata Police Department is looking for murder suspect Gregory Nelson Mattox for the death of Joshua Paul Gephart.

July 11 press release:

On July 2, 2023, at 7:20am, the Arcata Police Department responded to the 5000 block of Boyd Road, for a man down in the roadway. Upon arrival, officers located a male subject, deceased of an apparent gunshot wound. The decedent has been identified as 36-year-old Joshua Paul Gephart, who was recently living in the Arcata area. 

APD Detectives have secured an arrest warrant for PC 187(a)- Homicide, for 24-year-old Gregory Nelson Mattox, of McKinleyville in connection with the homicide.

Gregory Nelson Mattox is described as a white male adult, approximately 5 foot 11 inches tall, thin build, with dark hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and tan pants. Mattox may be in possession of a handgun and is considered armed and dangerous.

APD asks if you see Mattox, immediately call the Arcata Police at 707-822-2424 or call 9-1-1. This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Johnson at 707-822-2424. More information will be released when available and appropriate.

APD Press Release (8/29):

On August 29, 2023, at 6:00am, Arcata Police Detectives, with the assistance of the Humboldt and Mendocino County Sheriff's Department SWAT teams, served an arrest and search warrant for Arcata homicide suspect Gregory Nelson Mattox, in the 13000 block of Bald Hills Road Orick, CA.

Mattox was wanted for the July 2, 2023, killing of 36-year-old Joshua Gephart, in the 5000 block of Boyd Road in Arcata. Mattox was taken into custody without incident and was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following violations of the California Penal Code:

·         187(a)-Murder

·         29800(a)(1)-Felon in Possession of a Firearm

·         1203.2-Violation of Probation

·         148.9-Providing False Identity to a Peace Officer.

The Arcata Police Department would like to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department SWAT, Major Crimes Division, and Crisis Negotiation Team, as well as the Mendocino County Sherrif's Departments SWAT, Arcata Mad River Ambulance, and Cal-Fire for their assistance.