John Chiv: Erik Neal cusses at Judge Neel, his public defender, tries to attack the courtroom bailiff and once again doubt is declared and the cycle repeats

May 11, 2025

Erik Neal cusses at Judge Neel, his public defender, tries to attack the courtroom bailiff and once again doubt is declared and the cycle repeats

(This is a 2018 booking photo which I requested. Neal still looks the same)

I just happened to be in the courtroom on May 9 when Erik Neal was arraigned on his latest case. This 2025 case was filed on 5/9 by the DA's officer and charges Neal with one count PC 243 (c) (1) battery with injury on a custodial officer. This alleged act took place while Neal was in custody in the Humboldt County jail.

Neal is one of those frequent offenders who has been in jail and the courts that everyone knows why is there yet the court process has to be followed.

Fortunately, Presiding Judge Kelly Neel did not waste two or three hearings like some other judges. As she was reading the charge, Neal was disruptive and rambling. He said, "Fuck you to Judge Neel" and Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo. Wouldn't listen to Judge Neel or Mr.Russo trying to calm him down and not say anything more to worsen his situation. Not guilty pleas were entered by Judge Neel based on what she had heard from Neal and his behavior in court declared doubt. Neal was cuffed and in a red jumpsuit which means he is already in admin segregation. He tried to attack the Courtroom 5 bailiff and was led out of the courtroom by other bailiffs. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared for the People for arraignment.

I have covered Neal since 2018. He keeps getting arrested, doubt is declared, he gets sent to the State Hospital and they send him back and the cycle keeps going. All these state, court and law enforcement money and resources wasted because the broken system does not get fixed.

Neal needs to be on meds and the PC "let's not force meds" enablers are responsible for Neal being homeless and in and out of jail. Some people will not take meds voluntarily and they are a danger to themselves and others but California soft on crime legislators and the PC crowd will virtue signal and Neal will not get the help he needs.