John Chiv: Doctor's report in for Daryl Jones, media requests denied, thanks to court scheduling and second judge disqualification today's hearing delayed for hours

May 15, 2025

Doctor's report in for Daryl Jones, media requests denied, thanks to court scheduling and second judge disqualification today's hearing delayed for hours

Terroristic and criminals threat suspect Daryl Jones two cases were on for receipt of Dr. Mark Lamer's request this morning. I reported on May 9 about a second case filed by the DA charging Jones with criminal threats.

My second media request for Jones' booking photo was denied by Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel for the same reason as last time. Judge Neel said it is too early in the proceedings and identity maybe an issue and could impact a fair and impartial hearing. Criminal proceedings are currently suspended in both cases. KRCR/KAEF's first media request filed was also denied for the same reason.

Ms. Joanne Carter who represents one of the alleged victims in the case the first case filed for alleged threats to local schools and businesses was in court.

9:55 p.m.: Despite Judge Steven Steward being disqualified, today is the second time this case was scheduled before him. Since 8:30 a.m. attorneys, myself and NorthCoast News in this case have been sitting around in Courtroom 3. Thankfully, Judge Steward asked the court clerk to reach out to see if another judicial officer was available. The case has been sent to Courtroom 1 in front of Judge Cockrum to be called alongwith the 10:15 calendar.

10:17: Judge Cockrum disqualified himself since "my family was victim." Judge Cockrum later added his son one of the alleged victims. The case is now sent to Retired Visiting Judge Ksenia Tsenin. This case was charged and arraigned a month ago? Why didn't Judge Cockrum disqualify himself earlier? He knew there was a conflict.

Jones is no longer in admin segregation since he was in court in a regular orange jumpsuit. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for this case. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Jones' attorney.

Mr. Rees said that while Dr. Mark Lamers said Jones is not competent to stand trial, he "indicated concerns" that Jones was "malingering, deceitful" and mentioned Jones' "lack of credibility." For these reasons, a second evaluation is being done by Dr. Ken Loya.

Ms. O'Connell said that Dr. Lamers indicated Jones had a cognitive disability and she "was not sure" why Dr. Lamers was not doing a psychiatric evaluation himself. Ms. O' Connell asked for a referral to Redwood Regional Center to see if Jones is eligible for their services.

Judge Tsenin ordered that Dr. Lamers to evaluate Jones for competency as well as cognitive disability. A referral was also made to Redwood Regional Center. Receipt of reports on June 25.

There were two people in court who could be alleged victims or family members of alleged victims. Other people appeared via Zoom.

5/19/25: Judge Cockrum finally filed the recusal.