John Chiv: More testimony that Daryl Jones made calls to Humboldt to scare people, "terrorism" was a word used by Jones with APD Det. Villarreal

Jan 7, 2026

More testimony that Daryl Jones made calls to Humboldt to scare people, "terrorism" was a word used by Jones with APD Det. Villarreal

(Photos from court today by John Chiv)

**This is court testimony about alleged violent crimes and threats. There are quotes and graphic language. If you chose to read the post; that is your choice. **

Day 5 of the preliminary hearing in terroristic and criminal threat suspect Daryl Jones' case was scheduled to start today at 9:20 a.m. It maybe later.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning agreed to the unusual time to start the trial at Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell's request since both her office receptionists are out sick today and she will be answering phones in the morning.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor on the case.

APD Detective Celeste Villarreal will be back on the stand testifying.

APD Officer Cameron Neff, APD Sgt. Heidi Groszmann and a civilian witness are expected to testify next and today.

9:28 a.m Once again, no other media is here for the full day. No LOCO, no RHBB, no KRCR, Times Standard is here only for the third day. RHBB arrived at 11. I am curious how LOCO covered the case this afternoon without being in court. I don't see any media request from LOCO to appear via Zoom or remotely.

Detective Villarreal is testifying how the investigation led to associating multiple email addresses, various phone numbers including voice over internet protocols and calls made to Humboldt. Yesterday's testimony included how his 580 cell phone was linked to him.

There has been testimony over three days by various members of law enforcement including Det. Villarreal that Daryl Jones was surprised when they called, addressed him by name and asked how they knew. I don't think identity is an issue.

I am not going to type details of how many calls to each Humboldt location. I will add calls and dates made to North Point Consulting later.

More testimony, a conversation with Jones before he was "mirandized."

The testimony establishing the link to Jones is detailed and I am not typing it all. The courtroom is open to public. Surprised Det. Villarreal addressed him by name.

More testimony about Jones saying "terrorism" and "scare people." Jones said he had threatened to "rape, murder and stab people."

"He wanted to scare people."

Five members of law enforcement, new recruits are in the courtroom today.

10:06 DA Investigator Martin Morris had to ask a witness who was in the courtroom to step out. Attorneys spoke privately with Judge Canning. I heard, "we are not going to call..."

A HCSO Deputy, former APD Officer Raven Mcintyre was the one asked to step out.

At 10:10 the other recruits left the courtroom.

Cross examination of Det. Villarreal is very interesting because it does not help Jones or his credibility. I will be adding details later. Defense has acknowledged no evidence of claims made by Jones about police officers and alleged victims but the mental health issue and abusive childhood being raised but not proven yet by defense. No evidence of Jones' claim that a teacher sexually abused him.

11:14: Officer Neff took the stand. Testifying about Humboldt Brews. His testimony was brief as was Sgt. Groszmann who testified about texts received by Roger MacDonald.

11:30: DA Invesigator Martin Morris is the next People's witness. He testified about Jones' apartment in Oklahoma and neighbors as well as an interview with Christine Fellows in Ferndale.

I have included court documents before the preliminary hearing in previous coverage including a restraining order granted to one of the alleged victims which contains details covered in court. There are other details I included in previous coverage about Jones' family in Oklahoma and more than what was stated in court today.

At 11:48, APD Matthew Pecsok briefly testified and was done by 11:55 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. when court resumes, Jane Doe will testify. I told you on Monday, there would be a civilian witness. I checked the counts and all the alleged victims who have been mentioned so far.

1:30 p.m. My previous coverage in this case has covered much of Jane Doe #2's testimony. You can read that post with the link I have provided for my previous coverage. You can read that information but hearing Jane Doe #2 testify about how this affected her and the safety of her parents and co workers is a different experience.

For most of her testimony, she answered and while you could feel and hear anxiety, at one point, her voice wavered on the verge of tears. She suffered years of contact and threats from Jones on her work phone, personal cell phone and social media. Over 600 phone calls just to her work.

Today is the first time we heard from someone; Jane Doe #2 who knew Jones for 18 years; knew him since 7th grade, briefly dated in middle school and saw no signs of mental health issues.

She also gave information about "Jeremiah", a pseudonym Jones used several times that has been addressed in testimony in the preliminary hearing.

In 2021, APD provided their report to the Humboldt County DA and the office declined to prosecute.

Local attorney Joanne Carter, a young woman, male and an older man are in court for Jane Doe's testimony.

2:18 p.m. Jane Doe #2 was the last witness for the People. Defense had no evidence and witnesses to present. The evidentiary hearing has concluded. Transcripts of the preliminary hearing are going to be prepared. Closing arguments are scheduled for March 11.

Ms. O'Connell made a big deal about objecting evidence and foundation during the Mr. Rees' direct examination during the preliminary when she has police reports and other discovery provided by the People. Yet, with no evidence, suddenly today during cross of Det. Villarreal and Jane Doe 2, she brings up Jones being autistic and on the spectrum? And then questions Jane Doe who knows Jones for 18 years. The same point Ms. O'Connell made about Jane Doe 2 applies to her. She is no more a mental health expert than Jane Doe 2. She could have requested an evaluation of her client, why didn't she?

As I said yesterday, I will update more details from 1/6/27 & today, most likely over the weekend.

The 1/7/26 court minutes say February 11. I am checking if that is a typo or the date was changed after I left the courtroom. There is another typo in the spelling of Sgt. Groszmann's last name.