Mr. Coley is profoundly mentally ill"

 

This morning at pre-trial for murder suspect Jasen Coley, defense has had discussions with the DA that they wish to waive preliminary hearing. DA will not waive their right to a preliminary hearing.

Coley entered an additional plea of not guilty by reason of insanity today. He responded, " yes" to Judge Kaleb Cockrum when asked, "Do you believe you were insane at the time you committed the alleged crime?"

Mr. Michael Robinson is Coley's attorney. Mr. Robinson told Judge Cockrum he has asked for "a judge to be assigned to this case for continuity." Judge Cockrum said he would email Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Gregory Kreis and Assistant Presiding Judge Kelly Neel regarding this request.

"This case involves a video of the shooting of his longtime family friend with ashotgun in the face, " said Mr. Robinson. "The weapon was in my client's possession. There are many witnesses. There is no ID issue. I have offered to expedite. Mr. Coley is profoundly mentally ill."

"There is documentation of longtime psychiatric disorder which I will provide to Ms. Myers today."

"My client is now competent but deteriorating in custody," said Mr. Robinson. "He needs to be locked up in a mental hospital. 

With the additional not guilty by reason of insanity plea today, Coley has now entered a dual plea. If this case goes to trial, there are two phases. I have covered that in other court cases and will go into more detail in the future; if necessary.

Preliminary hearing is still scheduled for October 18. Appointment of doctors on November 1. Mr. Robinson has already talked to Dr. Robert Soper about the possibility of being a defense expert witness and evaluating Coley. The estimated cost is $5,000.

"This is an unnecessary preliminary hearing," said Mr. Robinson. "The 1368 competency process is protracted."

Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers is the prosecutor for this case. 

There were five people in court for Coley. Victim Witness Advocate was in court but I did not see anyone from Kenneth "Michael" Davis' family.

As I have previously and exclusively reported Coley was a former Humboldt Superior Court employee, both families knew each other growing up and others who knew Coley were in shock and saddened by his arrest. People were trying to reconcile the Jasen they knew and what happened to him that led to this tragedy.

A few more details will be added later. It is a very busy court morning with cases being moved around due to disqualifications, no court reporter in Courtroom 1. I also have some cases to check on this afternoon.

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/mckinleyville-homicide-tragedy-for-both.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/jasen-coley-charged-with-murder-and.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/mckinleyville-homicide-suspect-jasen.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/homicide-suspect-jasen-coley-work-for.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/hcso-looking-for-homicide-suspect-who.html?m=1