Jun 13, 2014

Burr Valley marijuana bust details

On 06-12-2014, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriffs Deputies served a Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant in the 5100 block of Burr Valley Road, Dinsmore area.

When deputies arrived at the location to be searched they located two men, identified as Taylor Owen Lefevre, 30 years old from McKinleyville, and Bruce Allan Ryall, 53 years old, from Bakersfield.
Both men were detained while deputies searched the property.

Deputies located two green houses and outdoor gardens on the property.  A total of 2150 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from three inches to three feet tall were located, along with approximately 11 pounds of processed marijuana, scales, packaging material, a handgun and two rifles, and approximately $3000.00 cash were located.

Both Lefevre and Ryall were arrested for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana. Ryall was also charged with being armed in the commission of a felony. They were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where they were booked. Their bail was set at $75,000.00 each.

Sunshine said "I am dying" as Page applied pressure to his chest

When Page first arrived in the living room, he saw his housemates, Emma and CJ. "I saw Christina and Sunshine lying on the ground, they both had "bloody wounds on their torso. Christine's eyes were open and glazed, her shirt was in disarray exposing her breasts, Sunshine was bleeding and gasping for breath."

Page said he suggested someone call an ambulance, grabbed a towel lying in the room and applied pressure to Sunshine's chest in an effort to stop the bleeding. He said he was "hoping to prolong his life."

 Page said he was in a state of shock from the time he came upon the bodies of Sunshine and Christina and  applied pressure to Sunshine's chest until paramedics arrived.

He said in the panic of the moment he saw Christina was not moving and that Sunshine was showing signs of life. "Sunshine was still breathing, albeit in a very labored manner," Page testified. "I recall Sunshine saying, 'I'm dying."

Once the paramedics arrived, Page said he went to the kitchen and to check the other rooms in the house. and to tell people still waking up that law enforcement was at the house. There were "6 or so" people in the main house and the same number in the back of the house.

"I was in a state of shock; shocked; stricken and exhausted," said Page.

 He said law enforcement told them not to discuss circumstances and that at the Arcata police station, Sgt. Martinez interviewed them "one by one". Page said he could not recall the details of what he said at that interview. "I was anxious about my ability to get to work that morning."

 Page said that people smoked marijuana sometimes but did not do any other drugs. He also said that people were transported alone in patrol cars and were specifically instructed not to talk about the case.

Tree introduced himself to resident of Eye house as C Nasty

Nicholas Page, a resident who lived at the Eye Street house for " 6 to 7" months said when he first met Bodhi Tree, Tree introduced himself as C Nasty. He said only 5 or 6 people paid rent for a private bedroom and at least another 6 to 12 would just hang out, sleep on the couch, or stay in the garage. The people who did not pay rent contributed by food or cleaning. Page described the Eye Street house as a "flophouse" or "party house." Sunshine did not live at the house and Christina and he were frequent guests, Page said. He called Christina, Christine a few times, and said because of a mental disability he had a hard time remembering names.

His bedroom was near the living room, where Christina and Sunshine were shot.

Page described Tree as "mostly very quiet and not very outgoing."  Page met Tree a month before the shooting. He said Tree was at the house before he went to bed, the night of the shooting. Page said Tree was "standoffish, would make rude comments, and play music videos not to my taste. Simple and repetitive rap videos." Page said he did not remember Tree "bringing anything to share."

The evening before the shooting, there were 12 to 15 people hanging out in the "back garage" and Page went to bed between 8:30 and 9 p.m. At that time, he said Tree, Christina and Sunshine were in the party room, which is the back garage.

Page said he is a heavy sleeper and takes medication to help him sleep at night. He was awakened by what he learned later was a loud gunshot. "I believe it was more than 1 gunshot." Page said he looked at the clock. He remembered the exact time, said it was 2:05 a.m. Page said he tried to collect his wits, did not know what was going on, then heard some of his other housemates waking up, heard them going into to the kitchen and then into the living room. "I heard people walking and the voice of Emma coming onto the scene in the living room."

"At first her tone was a mixture of annoyance and curiosity and then it changed to horrified, she was screaming OMG! that sort of thing," said Page. He said he got dressed and exited his bedroom to see what was going on.



Jun 12, 2014

Sheriff Downey on why he is hosting a community meeting in Blue Lake

"I believe it is beneficial to the residents of Blue Lake to understand the scope and level of service they are being provided with by the Sheriff’s Office," said Sheriff Mike Downey. " As sheriff I am committed to providing the best service, based upon the contractual agreement and believe the city is in actuality staffing their own police department with Sheriff’s Deputies as mandated for any municipality."

Press release:

Humboldt County Sheriff Michael Downey will host a community meeting in Blue Lake on Wednesday, June 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Blue Lake Grange. Sheriff Downey invites the residents of the City of Blue Lake to meet with him and his command staff to discuss law enforcement service and issues in Blue Lake. The Sheriff and his command staff are holding this meeting to address the citizens of Blue Lake’s regarding law enforcement and the current contract. The Sheriff will also discuss the forming of neighborhood watch programs in the City of Blue Lake.

Details about Burr Valley Road bust will be available shortly

Lt. Steve Knight confirmed that a search warrant on a property on Burr Valley Road had been served this afternoon. Lt. Knight said that two people have been arrested and that deputies found over a thousand plants on the property, as well as firearms and large amounts of cash. The investigation is ongoing and Lt. Knight said he will be providing details in a press release later today or tomorrow.

Suspect who broke into St. Bernard's rectory still at hospital; motive unknown

EPD will update as soon as he is booked.

Steinke not Hening assisted EPD officer yesterday

Regarding yesterdays press release about the citizen assisting the officer, we misidentified the citizen.  The citizen who assisted the officer is Mark Steinke of Eureka.  Mr. Hening had been a witness to a traffic collision and we apologize for the error.  We appreciate anyone willing to assist the police department and their community.  “It truly takes a whole community to police the city,” Chief Mills

Yesterday's Press release:

On 06/09/2014, at about 1025 hours, an officer with the Eureka Police Department contacted a subject who was under the influence of narcotics in front of a business on the 1600 block of F street.  The subject, Jason Gower (23) of Eureka, attempted to leave the location after admitting to being on felony probation for narcotics.  Gower also had two felony warrants for his arrest, was in possession of drug paraphernalia, and was in possession of stolen property from a recent vehicle burglary.

The officer attempted to detain Gower but he resisted and wrestled with the officer on the sidewalk for just over two minutes.  One citizen, later identified as Jonathan E. Hening took it upon himself to answer the officer’s call for assistance and asked what he could do to help.  Mr. Hening was directed to hold Gower’s legs down.  The officer warned Mr. Hening that he was about to deploy OC spray.  Mr. Hening maintained his position on Gower’s legs, putting himself in harm’s way.  Gower was taken into custody when a second officer arrived on scene.  Gower assaulted the officer by trying to break the officer’s fingers bending them backwards, causing injury. The officer was treated and released from St. Joseph’s Hospital.   


From the officer: “Jonathan Hening’s actions represent a character and compassion not often encountered by our officers in such situations.  Mr. Hening owed me nothing during this incident, but took it upon himself to answer a call for assistance by a police officer involved in a violent altercation with a wanted and combative suspect. Mr. Hening’s moral character can be seen in the video recording, as he remained on scene with officers until he was certain everyone was alright. I later learned that Mr. Hening casually left the location in somewhat of a hurry as he was about to be late to a work-related appointment. It is my belief that Mr. Hening’s actions should be recognized by our department through a citizen commendation award. Mr. Hening is a valued member of the Eureka community; and a decent, honorable and well-meaning individual.” 

Sheriff Downey to present life saving awards to Deputy Sheriff's Silva and Crosswhite

Humboldt County Sheriff Michael Downey will present life-saving awards to Deputy Sheriff’s Cyrus Silva and Seth Crosswhite, and Senior Correctional Officer Todd Arnold on Monday, June 16th, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., in the Humboldt County Correctional Briefing Room. (access from 5th street ).

Deputies Silva and Crosswhite are credited with saving 71 year old Ted Coopers life on April 10th, 2014 in King Salmon. (See Press Release dated 04-10-2014)

Senior Correctional Officer Todd Arnold is credited with performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a 62 year old inmate, who was in a wheelchair and was choking on a hotdog on November 2, 2013 in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

On redirect Ms. Firpo is able to Sgt. Martinez to explain questions raised on cross

One such example is that Ms. Holmquist asked why the witnesses interviewed were not tested for alcohol drugs. Sgt. Martinez explained that they were not in custody for a crime, they were cooperative and no indication that they needed to be tested for drugs or alcohol use.

Regarding the red spots, the witness being questioned told Sgt. Martinez it was red dye.

Defense cross of Sgt Martinez raises some questions about leads and investigation

Some witnesses who were interviewed discussed the case while waiting at APD and one of the people at the Eye Street had red spots on a t shirt that was not investigated.

Today is the first time the defense scored a significant doubt about investigation.

Ms. Holmquist asked why some of people who were interviewed by Sgt. Martinez were not given an alcohol  breathlyzer or drug test. Why cell-phones were not confiscated and why people were not separated once Sgt. Martinez learned that some of them had been discussing the case.

She brought up some red spots on a t shirt worn by one of the individuals who was detained and questioned and had been at the Eye Street house the night Christina and Sunshine were murdered.

He said he had "gotten jumped by three white boys;, a native and a black male"

Sgt. Martinez described Bodhi Tree as "aloof" with his body posture leaned back during his interview after he had been arrested. "He was mildly cooperative." Sgt. Martinez said that Tree told him he had been assaulted regarding the injuries to his face. "He refused to tell when, why, where. He said he had 'gotten jumped by three white boys, a native and a black male." Tree told Sgt. Martinez he would not be a snitch and that the same guys "jumped him again" in Arcata.

Sgt. Martinez said that initially Tree thought he had been detained because "he was fucked up". Sgt. Martinez said that Tree told him that he had been drunk for three or 4 days.

"Mr. Tree was willing to engage in banter early on but as the interview progressed he was not cooperative." Sgt. Martinez said that Tree was so intoxicated he could not recall being at the Eye street house. "Based on my investigation, I knew that was a lie," said Sgt. Martinez.

"This was the most important interview I had conducted," said Sgt. Martinez. " I wanted to extract a confession. My view was that he had to like me to engage with me. I wanted him to be comfortable and talk to me. I did not want him to be afraid to talk to me."

Sgt. Martinez said the reason he did not tell Tree that he was being investigated for a double homicide was because he wanted Tree to feel safe to talk to him.



He was sad for the victims, he was sad for Bodhi Tree

Sgt. Martinez said witnesses bothered and worried and concerned someone might see them talking to the police. He is continuing his testimony about interviewing witnesses in the Bodhi Tree case.

"He was sad for the victims, he was sad for Mr. Tree." The statement in the title was made by Ian Henry, according to Sgt. Martinez.

19 people were personally interviewed by Sgt. Martinez. Names were either given by civilians from the Eye Street house. Sgt. Martinez said he was concerned about Sean Butler-Smith's safety because he was providing vital information in a double homicide.
When he saw Smith at a skate park, he checked on him. It was at this time that Smith shared information on the Eureka shoting of Rhett August.

At a later date when Smith was brought in for questioning at APD by EPD Det. Peter Cress. A syringe with fluid was found on Smith. Unlike a cheerful demeanor at the skate park, Smith was worried about getting sick. Smith was known to Sgt. Martinez as a heroin addict.

Smith had a syringe with liquid in it and it was reddish in color and Sgt. Martinez guessed it was probably heroin based on his knowledge of Smith. He did admit to returning Smith's heroin back to him. "I didn't want him to worry about getting sick," said Sgt. Martinez. "I wanted him to focus on his interview with Det. Cress. I had to decide what was important." Sgt Martinez then said, "I believe I mishandled that" referring to his decision to give Smith back his heroin.

Ms. Firpo asked Det. Martinez if he ever said that he would withold  Smith's drugs and that Smith had to speak to Detective Cress. Sgt. Martinez said no. Sgt. Martinez also mentioned a note that had been forwarded to him from the Humboldt County Jail in which Smith asked Sgt. Martinez's help. This was "weeks after the homicide" and Sgt. Martinez described the note as "ramblings from a heroin addict seeking assistance to get out of jail." Sgt. Martinez said that he threw the note away and that there was nothing relevant to the case.

GO-Biz Releases California Competes Tax Credit Recommendations 31 Companies will be Considered by California Competes Tax Credit Committee on June 19th

Sacramento, Calif. – As part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster California’s business climate, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) released the final list of 31 companies it is recommending for the first allocation of California Competes tax credits totaling $30 million.

“The California Competes tax credit encourages businesses large and small to expand in California and create good paying jobs in a variety of industries,” said GO-Biz director Kish Rajan.

The tax credits are offered to companies interested in expanding or relocating to California. GO-Biz is recommending 31 companies – including 11 small businesses – for a total of approximately $30 million in tax credits. According to the 31 companies, these credits could help create approximately 6,000 jobs and spur more than $2 billion in investment across California. These companies represent industries such as manufacturing, biotech, agriculture, food processing, aerospace, high tech, clean tech and more. The complete list of potential awardees is available here.

Between December of 2013 and April 2014, GO-Biz conducted more than two dozen workshops and webinars statewide to educate businesses on the application process. GO-Biz began accepting applications on March 19th and closed the application window on April 14th.

A total of 396 companies applied and requested over $500 million in total credits. GO-Biz evaluated the most competitive applications based on the factors required by statute, including total jobs created, total investment, average wage, strategic importance, economic impact and more. GO-Biz will allocate an additional $150 million in tax credits next fiscal year and companies not selected in the first round are eligible to reapply once GO-Biz opens the next application period.

“The high demand for these tax credits underscores the importance of a competitive selection process,” said deputy director Will Koch. “The recommended companies represent a significant impact to California’s economy in terms of new jobs and investment.”

The California Competes Tax Credit Committee (CCTC) will meet on June 19th to consider the GO-Biz recommendations. The Committee is chaired by the Governor’s senior jobs advisor Mike Rossi and is comprised of four additional committee members. The agenda for the meeting and the complete list of committee members is available here.

The California Competes tax credit is part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) which Governor Brown signed legislation to enact last year (AB 93 and SB 90). The initiative also includes a hiring credit for areas of high unemployment and poverty which went into effect on January 1st, 2014 and a sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing, biotech and R&D equipment which is available to companies starting July 1st, 2014.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as California’s single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit: www.business.ca.gov.

Man breaks into St. Bernard's rectory; EPD responds; no one injured

The man was hiding in the attic. He is in custody. He would not come out. Canine sniffed him out. There will be a press release shortly according to Chief Mills.

Fr. Loren, the priest was not there at that time. The press release is out and I will upload it later after updating the Bodhi Tree daily update.

EPD Press-Release:

On 06/12/14 at approximately 4:45 a.m. officers were dispatched to St. Bernard’s Church after a custodian arrived and found the lower door panels to the rectory had been kicked out. The officers conducted a search of the rectory and could hear footsteps coming from the attic.  Officers determined that the attic door was barricaded by the suspect and could not be opened.  A perimeter was established and a K9 was requested to the scene. 

Officers made an announcement for the suspect, later identified as Sherman Prochnau (51) of Fortuna, to exit the attic and Prochnau acknowledged the command. Prochnau opened the attic door and began climbing down the ladder.  Prochnau initially followed officers commands but resisted when officers attempted to take him into custody.


After multiple warnings Prochnau failed to follow verbal commands and continued to resist. The K9 was utilized to assist in the apprehension. Prochnau was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of the injuries he sustained during his apprehension.  At the hospital a syringe and baggie of methamphetamine were found concealed on Prochnau’s person.  Upon his release from the hospital, Prochnau will be booked for burglary, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled substance.     

Jun 11, 2014

Gary Bullock trial set for November 17

Courtroom 1, visiting Judge Peter Mering hearing cases for Judge John Feeney who is in vacation, Gary Lee Bullock represented by Kaleb Cockrum and Elan Firpo who is prosecuting the case for the People.

Defense filed a motion to continue on 6/6. Today was supposed to be the pre-trial conference. The defense requested a continuance for two reasons. One, because the defense investigator is going to be gone next month for medical reasons and Mr. Cockrum wanted a disposition and reset in August. His second suggestion was for to set dates in November  to see when the case would go to trial.

Ms. Firpo said thecPeople want the trial to start in November. Jury trial is set for November 17 at 8:30 in Courtroom 1, Trial Conference on November 5 at 2 p.m. and Pre-Trial Conference on October 1 at 2 p.m.

Blakewilliams who is hostile to cops had demeanor changed when he heard about Sunshine and Christina

Detective Dockweiler said Lucas Blakewilliams is usually "hostile to cops" but when Detective Dockweiler mentioned Christina and Sunshine, especially Sunshine Blakewilliam's demeanor changed to emotional.

Second witness to testify this morning is APD Sgt. Robert Martinez. When eight people were brought from Eye Street house, they were put into a conference room and were being monitored by APD volunteer and parking enforcement David Greeney. APD does not have the room to keep them in separate rooms. They were advised not to speak each other and interviewed separately. Two were asleep while waiting to be interviewed. Sgt. Martinez described the process of interviews.

Hoyt Cribs, first person to be interviewed was "shocked and stunned" like every one else. Sgt. Martinez said since it was 3 a.m. they were exhausted.

This is the third time, morning break has been longer so the Judge can talk with counsel. While counsel is mostly respectful, often defense's frustration is in the form of disrespectful, aggressive objections and even after Judge Reinholtsen has ruled, that continues. After break, that eased a bit.

There were lengthy evidence hearings closed on motions. Each individual has their opinion, but if I were a juror, such aggression would be a turnoff to me. Judge Reinholtsen is doing a great job and being fair to both sides and cautious, which is good. Ms. Firpo is very respectful and calm.

I know lawyers read this blog and what they need to remember is the jury is not made up of lawyers but ordinary people like me.  And with law enforcement testifying, today is the kind of day observations to give a feel of the courtroom is more important.

Sgt. Martinez is testifying about his interviews with eight people that were detained from the Eye Street house, his testimony for the day concluded with him testifying about his interview with Bodhi Tree.



Mickey's malt liquor popular among younger and travelling folk Arcata

This little tidbit shared among serious testimony in the Bodhi Tree case this morning.

Photos of a messy Eye Street house and bloody bedding where victims were found shown in Bodhi Tree case

Today, Ms. Holmquist continued her cross of Detective Dockweiler. Two names, a Derek Rain, who called with information about the case and another suspect lead, Lucas Blakewilliams were mentioned. Ms. Firpo is questioning Detective Dockweiler on redirect.

My observations regarding defense are the same for Ms. Holmquist as they were about Mr. Russo. Questions asked do not raise doubts to the level to support defense theory. On redirect Ms. Firpo is able to get the prosecution witness to answer or clarify any issues raised.

Photos of different bedrooms, attached garage with a makeshift bed and photos of bloody bedding where Christina and Sunshine were shot were shown when Ms. Firpo questioned Detective Dockweiler on redirect.