Due to Judge Cockrum's error and Jake Combs selfishness, Trevor's loved ones have to suffer again

Photo of Trevor Earley's loved ones taken by Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell two weeks ago. 

If Humboldt Superior Court has an issue with the photo, they can take it up with the bailiff and Supervisor Bushnell who gave it to me.

Supervisor Bushnell has been there at court hearings supporting the Earley family. If she is not able to be there, she still checks in with them.

Jake Combs was convicted of Earley's murder. Court of appeals said Humboldt Superior Judge Kaleb Cockrum erred. Conviction overturned. Retrial. Cliff notes for new readers.

Due to Judge Cockrum's error and Jake Combs selfishness, Trevor's loved ones have to suffer again. Judge Cockrum is presiding over the retrial.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. For this trial, instead of Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin, Combs has two Deputy Public Defenders; Emery Welton and Ryan McClurg. I am not sure why he needs two attorneys. The assignment of two attorneys who do not have the skill or experience that Mr. McLaughlin has is telling.

These court motions are from yesterday. Combs rejected the People's offer. If Combs had any remorse or decency, he would not put Trevor's family through another trial.

Rulings on the motions in limine are important in a trial and so I have included the court minutes from yesterday.

Most of my readers are familiar with the case and read all my coverage and for those who are not, I have provided links to prior coverage.

I did extensive coverage of Combs case, the first trial, the appeal and Combs possession of meth case. I explained how I will cover the retrial.

I have linked one related post and one last post of my coverage. The rest can be accessed via the search feature on the blog. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/this-post-is-especially-for-three.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/jake-combs-homicide-case-continued-but.html?m=1