Defense requests and is granted a court trial for Austin Medeiros

 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum's sentencing of convicted murderer Austin Medeiros was overturned on appeal.

Today, at Readiness Conference, Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo requested a court trial Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers had no objection. Doctors are the only witnesses defense intends to call. The competency trial is on 3/16.

In my November 1, 2025 post, Los Angeles  attorney, Daily Journal contributor, former Humboldt Deputy DA  Allan Dollison sent me this message to use as a comment.

"Saw your post. They overturned sentencing because Court needed to do a competency hearing. If he is not competent now then he cannot be sentenced. Also issued an OSC in IAC on Owen Tipps failure to investigate. Most common IAC reversal is for exactly that reason where the Defense Attorney fails to investigate his client’s background. If IAC is further found at Trial Court level through Habeas Corpus hearing then his conviction will be set aside and he’ll have to be re-tried. This was a loss for the Government."

I included screenshots of two previous posts. 

I am not linking all my posts on this 2022 case. You can access them for free via the search feature on the blog or pay for a subscription or contribute for convenience. Advertisers get more benefits and can contact me anytime.

3/16/26: Continued by stipulation to 3/17.

3/17/26: Continued again by defense for additional doctor's report. Readiness Conference on 4/7; court trial on 4/13.

4/7/26: Defense requests Readiness Conference be continued to tomorrow since new report was received. Deputy DA Whitney Timm appears for the People since Deputy DA Candace Myers is out of the office today. 

4/8/26: July 13 date remains as scheduled.

4/13/26: Court trial scheduled for 4/17.