A digital scale, a gun, a pistol, surveilance system, a tupperware container of "crystal meth" and "a tub and duffel bag full of 11 pounds of marijuana bud packaged in one pound turkey bags" were found when law enforcement searched Judson Stiglich's house, after they answered a "shots fired" call and discovered the dead body of Ryan Robinson in Stiglich's driveway.
The gun that was used in the shooting by Stiglich and tossed on Cutten school grounds was determined to be stolen from Fortuna and the owner was contacted by law enforcement. An empty shell casing matching that gun was found in Stiglich's garage.
Deputy Coroner Trevor Enright told HCSO Investigator Greg Musson that Ryan Robinson had suffered a gun-shot wound to the chest and that his "death was caused by a single gun-shot wound to the chest." A toxicology report showed that Ryan Robinson had a very high level of alcohol in his blood. The legal limit is .08 and Ryan Robinson's blood alcohol level was .20.
Mr. Russ Clanton who is Stiglich's attorney cross-examined Investigator Musson after he had just given detailed answers to DDA Stacey Eads about when law enforcement was notified, the chain of events leading to the discovery of Robinson's body and securing of the crime scene as well as collection of evidence.
Jennifer Robinson, victim's sister and Stiglich's girlfriend at the time of the incident, continued her emotional testimony today and was followed by Ryan Robinson's mother, Margaret Robinson testifying. Investigator Musson was the last witness to testify before both attorneys presented their closing arguments and Judge John Feeney held Stiglich to answer on all charges.
Mr. Clanton was able to get Investigator Musson to acknowledge that in his report, Investigator Musson did not report that either Jennifer or Margaret Robinson mentioned or described a shoving match between Stiglich and Ryan Robinson. Mr. Clanton was also able to raise questions about Ryan Robinson's blood alcohol level and that he could have had a weapon concealed in "the Woodland type" camo he was wearing the night he went over to Stiglich's house.
In Jennifer Robinson's testimony, she never mentioned a folding knife or a 9 mm bullet found in Ryan Robinson's car. Mr. Clanton brought up Ryan Robinson's facebook page where he was pictured with weapons including an assault rifle. This raised some credibility issues because about Jennifer Robinson testifying she had no knowledge of her brother having any weapons, especially the night he was shot.
Mr. Clanton made a case for self-defense in his closing argument and while Judge Feeney acknowledged that could be a possible defense, his ruling was based on information provided for the preliminary hearing. Both DDA Eads and Mr. Clanton made strong closing arguments.
Feb 18, 2015
With a gag order and now chamber conferences, getting information on the Bullock case is like pulling teeth; the public's right to know is taking a hit
I get why gag orders are requested but not every high profile case should have one. We have had delay after delay in a case that deeply affects many people in Humboldt County and people regionally and internationally.
Now defense wants conferences in chamber with minimum information stated in court. Gary Lee Bullock is entitled to a fair trial but what about Fr. Eric? What about his family? What about the rest of us, his other family and friends?
There are many overlaps in cases and court dates with high profile cases right now and court coverage is rare in local media if other news does not take precedent. The Warren case does not have conferences in chamber, the Bodhi Tree case did not have conferences in chamber, the Limmie Curry case did not have conferences in chamber.
Evidence presented at the preliminary hearing points towards only one suspect. Unlike other homicides, who "allegedly" murdered Fr. Eric from evidence presented so far does not seem to be in question. Only Bullock "allegedly " entered the rectory and only Bullock "allegedly" exited and "allegedly" fled the crime scene. Only Bullock was captured on the surveilance cameras.
Looks like Bullock gets to pull every legal trick in the book to keep delaying a trial and while his rights are being preserved, damn the victims. There is not just one victim in this case. As a priest, a professor, a brother, a son, a friend, there are many victims. The public barely gets any information because of the gag order on this case, now with the private chamber conferences, the public's right to know is further eroded.
It is bad enough that Bullock "allegedly" brutally killed someone loved by many people, "allegedly" desecrated a sacred place and "allegedly" tried to destroy evidence of his crime but now his rights seem to triumph the rights of everyone else.
This case is personal. Isn't every case where someone takes another life personal?
Now defense wants conferences in chamber with minimum information stated in court. Gary Lee Bullock is entitled to a fair trial but what about Fr. Eric? What about his family? What about the rest of us, his other family and friends?
There are many overlaps in cases and court dates with high profile cases right now and court coverage is rare in local media if other news does not take precedent. The Warren case does not have conferences in chamber, the Bodhi Tree case did not have conferences in chamber, the Limmie Curry case did not have conferences in chamber.
Evidence presented at the preliminary hearing points towards only one suspect. Unlike other homicides, who "allegedly" murdered Fr. Eric from evidence presented so far does not seem to be in question. Only Bullock "allegedly " entered the rectory and only Bullock "allegedly" exited and "allegedly" fled the crime scene. Only Bullock was captured on the surveilance cameras.
Looks like Bullock gets to pull every legal trick in the book to keep delaying a trial and while his rights are being preserved, damn the victims. There is not just one victim in this case. As a priest, a professor, a brother, a son, a friend, there are many victims. The public barely gets any information because of the gag order on this case, now with the private chamber conferences, the public's right to know is further eroded.
It is bad enough that Bullock "allegedly" brutally killed someone loved by many people, "allegedly" desecrated a sacred place and "allegedly" tried to destroy evidence of his crime but now his rights seem to triumph the rights of everyone else.
This case is personal. Isn't every case where someone takes another life personal?
Bullock trial date of March 2 vacated; future trial date and experts to be determined
The next court date for Gary Lee Bullock is March 4 at 2 p.m for trial setting.
The case is being prosecuted by Mr. Andrew Isaac and DDA Stacey Eads. Bullock is being represented by Mr. Kaleb Cockrum of Conflict Counsel.
Today, Judge John Feeney said that "there were few things to address." Judge Feeney said that "the Court had received a few records that had been subpoenaed. While he did not mention which records in court today; court records show that medical records for Bullock had been requested by the District Attorney's office. These include records from St. Joseph's Hospital, Mad River Hospital, Jerod Phelps and Singing Tree.
The records were released to Mr. Isaac to copy and to make copies for defense. Judge Feeney said that he had received some names of experts from People and was waiting on Mr. Cockrum to submit names and resumes. Today, Mr. Cockrum was able to give one name and said he would have others in two weeks.
Once the defense submits their choice of experts, Judge Feeney said "he would appoint two or three experts in this matter."
Mr. Isaac asked Judge Feeney, "Is it the Court's thought that the Court will indicate which experts are selected or will there be open discussion by Counsel? Mr. Isaac added that he did not think it was the place of the attorneys place to argue with the Judge whose names would be selected.
Judge Feeney indicated that there may be another conference in chambers for that discussion and he would not commit whether he will have the names of experts determined by the March 4 date.
On February 11, Bullock entered a plea of not guilty by insanity which was added to his existing not guilty plea.
On February 13, a private meeting finally took in Judge John Feeney's chambers where he met with both prosecution and defense in the Gary Lee Bullock murder case. Bullock is charged with the murder and torture of Fr. Eric Freed.
This meeting was to discuss the appointment of a psychaitrist or psychologist since Gary Lee Bullock entered a not guilty by insanity plea at his last court hearing on February 11.
Previous post:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/bullock-personally-reads-not-guilty.html
The case is being prosecuted by Mr. Andrew Isaac and DDA Stacey Eads. Bullock is being represented by Mr. Kaleb Cockrum of Conflict Counsel.
Today, Judge John Feeney said that "there were few things to address." Judge Feeney said that "the Court had received a few records that had been subpoenaed. While he did not mention which records in court today; court records show that medical records for Bullock had been requested by the District Attorney's office. These include records from St. Joseph's Hospital, Mad River Hospital, Jerod Phelps and Singing Tree.
The records were released to Mr. Isaac to copy and to make copies for defense. Judge Feeney said that he had received some names of experts from People and was waiting on Mr. Cockrum to submit names and resumes. Today, Mr. Cockrum was able to give one name and said he would have others in two weeks.
Once the defense submits their choice of experts, Judge Feeney said "he would appoint two or three experts in this matter."
Mr. Isaac asked Judge Feeney, "Is it the Court's thought that the Court will indicate which experts are selected or will there be open discussion by Counsel? Mr. Isaac added that he did not think it was the place of the attorneys place to argue with the Judge whose names would be selected.
Judge Feeney indicated that there may be another conference in chambers for that discussion and he would not commit whether he will have the names of experts determined by the March 4 date.
On February 11, Bullock entered a plea of not guilty by insanity which was added to his existing not guilty plea.
On February 13, a private meeting finally took in Judge John Feeney's chambers where he met with both prosecution and defense in the Gary Lee Bullock murder case. Bullock is charged with the murder and torture of Fr. Eric Freed.
This meeting was to discuss the appointment of a psychaitrist or psychologist since Gary Lee Bullock entered a not guilty by insanity plea at his last court hearing on February 11.
Previous post:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/bullock-personally-reads-not-guilty.html
Fieldbrook double homicide continued until March 9
Defense filed a brief continuance due to "outstanding discovery". Jason Arreaga, the suspect in the double murders committed in Fieldbrook entered a time waiver today.
Today was supposed to be a Trial Readiness Conference for the jury trial scheduled for February 23.
New dates are Trial Readiness on March 2 at 2 p.m. and Trial Assignment on March 6 at 8:30 a.m with a new jury trial date on March 9. Arreaga is represented by Ms. Heidi Holmquist from the Public Defender's office and DDA Roger Rees was in court today representing the People. DDA Zach Curtis is the prosecutor for the case.
Today was supposed to be a Trial Readiness Conference for the jury trial scheduled for February 23.
New dates are Trial Readiness on March 2 at 2 p.m. and Trial Assignment on March 6 at 8:30 a.m with a new jury trial date on March 9. Arreaga is represented by Ms. Heidi Holmquist from the Public Defender's office and DDA Roger Rees was in court today representing the People. DDA Zach Curtis is the prosecutor for the case.
Judson Stiglich held to answer on all charges including voluntary manslaughter of Ryan Robinson
Detailed testimony of Day 2 of preliminary hearing later. Ryan Robinson's mother and HCSO Detective Greg Musson testified today.
Stiglich was held to answer on all the following charges: voluntary manslaughter, unlawful firearm activity, marijuana possession, allowing a place for preparing or storing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale and receiving stolen property.
Stiglich was held to answer on all the following charges: voluntary manslaughter, unlawful firearm activity, marijuana possession, allowing a place for preparing or storing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale and receiving stolen property.
Feb 17, 2015
Eureka kick off for 40 days of life rally attracts one counter protest for a few minutes
About 40 people from the local Christian community showed up to pray, sing and gather in solidarity in front of Planned Parenthood this evening. There was representation from different Christian denominations.
A lone counter protestor, Jessica stood across the street, holding a sign: "I support Six Rivers Planned Parenthood because SRRP supports our community." She said she is a Christian and a former member of Spare Change. She said that she went to the international site, not the Eureka site for the organization and "if they were just praying against abortion, I wouldn't be here." Her beef with 40 days of life is because they want abortion centers closed. Jessica didn't stay long. She left after 10 minutes.
If you go to the 40 days of life.com site, they pray outside centers and for the people who work there. There is no organized effort to close centers.
Previous post:
Feb 15, 2015
Eureka rally to kick off 40 days of life is part of the largest international pro-life coordinated effort
“We truly pray that this 40 Days for Life campaign will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Humboldt County and beyond,” said Stephanie Goodwin, who coordinates the local effort.
“We will start our campaign with a rally at the corner of Walford Avenue and Wilson Street on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.”
Eureka is one of 559 cities in 27 nations across the globe coming together to make 40 Days for Life the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.
Through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigil, God has used 40 Days for Life to spare 9,699 babies
from abortion, bring 107 abortion workers to Christ, and close 59 abortion centers. Join 40 Days for Life in Eureka from February 18 – March 29 to pray for the end of abortion. “We start this effort by drawing
members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessings on this effort. It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done to our city,” said
Allen Rode, previous Coordinator.
“This will mark the start of 40 days of prayer and fasting, with special attention to prayer in the public right-of-way near Planned Parenthood: 3225 Timber Fall Court, Suite B, in Eureka, California, as well
as various types of community outreach. We believe that every life is precious and look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our city,” said Lucinda Jackson, Public
Relations Coordinator.
All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time
frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.
For information about 40 Days for Life in Eureka, California, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/eureka.
“We will start our campaign with a rally at the corner of Walford Avenue and Wilson Street on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.”
Eureka is one of 559 cities in 27 nations across the globe coming together to make 40 Days for Life the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.
Through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigil, God has used 40 Days for Life to spare 9,699 babies
from abortion, bring 107 abortion workers to Christ, and close 59 abortion centers. Join 40 Days for Life in Eureka from February 18 – March 29 to pray for the end of abortion. “We start this effort by drawing
members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessings on this effort. It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done to our city,” said
Allen Rode, previous Coordinator.
“This will mark the start of 40 days of prayer and fasting, with special attention to prayer in the public right-of-way near Planned Parenthood: 3225 Timber Fall Court, Suite B, in Eureka, California, as well
as various types of community outreach. We believe that every life is precious and look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our city,” said Lucinda Jackson, Public
Relations Coordinator.
All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time
frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.
For information about 40 Days for Life in Eureka, California, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/eureka.
Bullock, Warren, Arreaga, Carter, Ferrer and that is just the homicide docket
In the next few months, several high profile homicide cases set for trial. Carter and Ferrer are currently set for the same day. Forgot Limmie Curry in the title.
This does not even include other high profile cases like former HCSO deputy Jason Daniel's trial or other serious cases that are not homicides.
This does not even include other high profile cases like former HCSO deputy Jason Daniel's trial or other serious cases that are not homicides.
Humboldt Women to give $500 grant to women business owners and entrepreneurs
Humboldt Women is awarding women business owners and female entrepreneurs a $500 grant on the first of every month. The grant money will help local businesses build, maintain or grow their success. Sponsorships and donations help fund the grant, as does the $20 membership fee.
Humboldt Women is now accepting applications for March’s grant. Each applicant must fill out a questionnaire and submit a one-time $20 membership fee which will maintain their eligibility every month. The deadline to submit required materials for March's grant is February 25th. For more information visit HumboldtWomen.org or contact the Director, Christina DeGiovanni, at Info@HumboldtWomen.org .
Humboldt Women is now accepting applications for March’s grant. Each applicant must fill out a questionnaire and submit a one-time $20 membership fee which will maintain their eligibility every month. The deadline to submit required materials for March's grant is February 25th. For more information visit HumboldtWomen.org or contact the Director, Christina DeGiovanni, at Info@HumboldtWomen.org .
Matthew Brown sentencing on March 11
Matthew Brown will be sentenced on March 11 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 1.
Previous post regarding possible penalties and sentencing:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/penalties-and-potential-years-in-prison.html
Previous post regarding possible penalties and sentencing:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/penalties-and-potential-years-in-prison.html
"All I could do is look at my brother's eyes while he was falling"
Judge: John Feeney
Prosecution: DDA Stacey Eads
Defense: Russ Clanton
Courtroom: One
Day 1 preliminary hearing for Judson Stiglich
Jennifer Robinson, sister of the victim Ryan Robinson and Stiglich's girlfriend at that time, testified this morning. Her testimony had to be interrupted for her to take a break. She was crying and very emotional. Her testimony and questioning by Ms. Eads took all morning because she would pause and was sobbing at one point. Half-way through her testimony, Ms. Eads asked her, "This is difficult for you" and she said, "yes." Often, she had to be asked to repeat what she said or speak up and even then, some of her testimony was muffled due to her crying as she recalled the events of the night when her 22 year old brother was shot.
Stiglich was crying during parts of her testimony. So did the Robinson and Stiglich family members in the courtroom. Towards the beginning of her testimony, when Ms Eads asked Jennifer Robinson what she was doing at Stiglich's house, Robinson family members sitting behind me, whispered "drugs."
Jennifer Robinson is the only eye-witness to the shooting of her brother. She testified that on the evening of January 7, her brother was angry and that he came to Stiglich's house and threatened to hurt them. She testified that both, she and Stiglich, had done meth that evening. She testified that she told her mom that she shot her brother because she did not want them "to hate Jud" and that they would not believe it was an accident.
Jennifer Robinson testified that she took Stiglich's gun away from him and threw it somewhere on the Cutten school grounds because Stiglich was going to shoot himself. She said she begged him to give her the gun and told him "I can't lose my Bubby and my best friend all in one night."
Tomorrow morning, Mr. Clanton will cross-examine Jennifer Robinson and two other witnesses are expected to testify.
Jennifer Robinson is 32 years old and she has lived "in Eureka on and off" and also in SoHum and Rio Dell. While testifying, she would not look at Stiglich but there were three moments during her testimony that she briefly glanced at him. She said Stiglich was her boyfriend and the relationship began 5 months prior to the night her brother was shot and that she had known Stiglich since she was 15 years old. Several times during her testimony, she referred to Stiglich as "my best friend." Asked to elaborate on her relationship, Jennifer Robinson said, "He was always my best friend. I was always there for him."
She could often not recall certain details saying, "I don't remember," or "I don't know". The night of January 7, 2015, while she said Stiglich and she smoked meth, she could not recall how much but she did say that they did not consume any other intoxicating substances. She was supposed to spend the night at Stiglich's and they were in the bedroom when, "There was a loud knock on the door, then one of us opened the door. It was my brother. He was angry."
Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich was at the door and she was in the bedroom and that she could tell Ryan Robinson was angry by "looking at him, his tone of voice and how he was talking." When Ms. Eads asked her why she thought Ryan Robinson was angry, Jennifer Robinson said "Probably because I was over at Jud's."
Ms. Eads asked her, "What was Ryan saying?"
"He said he was gonna hurt us." When asked for specifics, Jennifer Robinson said," I'm gonna hurt you guys."
Jennifer Robinson said that she then walked out to her brother and said,"Bubby, let's go." She did not see any weapons in her brother's hand but she said she had a gun in her jacket pocket. Ms. eads asked her if she knew whether "Jud has his 45 at that time" or whether he had a gun at all. Jennifer Robinson responded,"After my brother was shot, I did."
Jennifer Robinson said that she grabbed her brother's arm and tried to get him into his car which was parked in the driveway on the other side of Stiglich's truck. Ryan Robinson's car was running with loud music blasting and in between sobs, she said, "I almost had him in the car. I told him Bubby, let's go home. He was trying to get away from me. He moved around me. He wouldn't listen to me."
Then she testified that Stiglich opened his garage, and that she got into the car and heard Stiglich ask her brother "if he was going to hurt me." Stiglich was standing inside the garage and she cannot remember if her brother responded. "Ryan went over to Jud and then I heard a shot." Jennifer Robinson was crying, Judson Stiglich was crying and Stiglich and Robinson family members were crying at this point.
Jennifer Robinson said that she got out of the car and heard Stiglich ask her brother, "Did I hurt you?" and Ryan Robinson respond, "Yeah" and then he fell backwards. She said her brother was standing on the gravel by the garage and that Stiglich was standing by the door of the garage.
Jennifer said that when Ryan had walked from the car towards Stiglich, "he was angry", she paused and then continued, "he was angry for me being with Jud. Usually my brother would listen to me but he wasn't listening to me and he was trying to get away from me." She also said that earlier she heard her brother say, "I'm going to get my gun."
When she heard the shot, she ran towards her brother and "All I could do is look at my brother's eyes while he was falling. I don't remember anything else."
Jennifer Robinson then ran to "Zach's house." He is Stiglich's brother and lives nearby. "I was freaking out. I wanted them to call the cops." Jennifer said she was screaming. "Jud just shot my brother." She is not sure who opened the door but she remembers Zach and his girlfriend Kelly.
"I didn't know what to do. I didn't know where Jud was." Then "I ran outside and seen Jud." She said she was "screaming for Jud and saw him by the garden."
"He had a gun to his head" When Ms. Eads asked her if Stiglich said anything, Jennifer said, "He said he was gonna shoot himself." She could not remember the specific words. She was crying and Stiglich wiped away tears after Mr. Clanton handed him a tissue.
"I begged him not to; please don't do that Jud." She said she could not remember if he gave her the gun or she took it from Stiglich. "I took the gun and said please don't do this." She said they went to her "mom's house, through the woods, to pray." Jennifer Robinson could not remember what the gun looked like, "I don't know" she said to Ms. Eads, "maybe black and silver."
Ms. Eads asked if they went directly to her mother's house and Jennifer Robinson said, "No, we stopped at Cutten school and I threw the gun into a bush."
"Why did you throw the gun?" asked Ms. Eads.
"I was scared he was going to kill himself and I didn't want him to, he was my best friend." Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich asked for the gun back but "I was begging him not to; I can't lose my Bubby and my best friend all in one night. I told him we had to go to my mom's house and pray."
Jennifer Robinson said that they woke her mother up and told her what had happened and asked her to "pray." When her mother came to the door, Jennifer Robinson said that she "told her my brother had been shot and that I did it because no one would believe it was an accident and I don't want my family to hate Jud."
Ms. Eads asked her, "What was Jud's response?" Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich said, ""We have to tell the truth."
"Did he tell your mom he shot Ryan?"
"I think so," said Jennifer Robinson.
"I started to pray. I told Jud we had to pray and we prayed. Then my mom said Jud needed to go home and I gave Jud a hug and a kiss and he walked out of there." Jennifer Robinson said her mom left to go to the hospital "to meet my brother but he never showed up. I prayed and listened to Brother McDonald preach on the video and waited until the cops came and picked me."
Ms. Eads asked Jennifer Robinson why she took off her jacket at Zach's house and she responded that she "was hot" and then later she said she took off her shirt, possibly in the woods for the same reason and Stiglich gave her a sweatshirt.
Ms. Eads asked her why she told her mother that she shot her brother. Jennifer Robinson said that, "Jud is not a hateful person. He was never mean. I didn't feel like he could kill my Bubby. He knew how much Ryan meant to me. He didn't have vengeance in his heart towards Ryan."
Ms. Eads asked Jennifer Robinson why she didn't call 911. "I thought they were already there, I remember hearing sirens."
Previous post with other links and charges:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/01/ryan-robinsons-family-stares-at-judson.html?m=1
Prosecution: DDA Stacey Eads
Defense: Russ Clanton
Courtroom: One
Day 1 preliminary hearing for Judson Stiglich
Jennifer Robinson, sister of the victim Ryan Robinson and Stiglich's girlfriend at that time, testified this morning. Her testimony had to be interrupted for her to take a break. She was crying and very emotional. Her testimony and questioning by Ms. Eads took all morning because she would pause and was sobbing at one point. Half-way through her testimony, Ms. Eads asked her, "This is difficult for you" and she said, "yes." Often, she had to be asked to repeat what she said or speak up and even then, some of her testimony was muffled due to her crying as she recalled the events of the night when her 22 year old brother was shot.
Stiglich was crying during parts of her testimony. So did the Robinson and Stiglich family members in the courtroom. Towards the beginning of her testimony, when Ms Eads asked Jennifer Robinson what she was doing at Stiglich's house, Robinson family members sitting behind me, whispered "drugs."
Jennifer Robinson is the only eye-witness to the shooting of her brother. She testified that on the evening of January 7, her brother was angry and that he came to Stiglich's house and threatened to hurt them. She testified that both, she and Stiglich, had done meth that evening. She testified that she told her mom that she shot her brother because she did not want them "to hate Jud" and that they would not believe it was an accident.
Jennifer Robinson testified that she took Stiglich's gun away from him and threw it somewhere on the Cutten school grounds because Stiglich was going to shoot himself. She said she begged him to give her the gun and told him "I can't lose my Bubby and my best friend all in one night."
Tomorrow morning, Mr. Clanton will cross-examine Jennifer Robinson and two other witnesses are expected to testify.
Jennifer Robinson is 32 years old and she has lived "in Eureka on and off" and also in SoHum and Rio Dell. While testifying, she would not look at Stiglich but there were three moments during her testimony that she briefly glanced at him. She said Stiglich was her boyfriend and the relationship began 5 months prior to the night her brother was shot and that she had known Stiglich since she was 15 years old. Several times during her testimony, she referred to Stiglich as "my best friend." Asked to elaborate on her relationship, Jennifer Robinson said, "He was always my best friend. I was always there for him."
She could often not recall certain details saying, "I don't remember," or "I don't know". The night of January 7, 2015, while she said Stiglich and she smoked meth, she could not recall how much but she did say that they did not consume any other intoxicating substances. She was supposed to spend the night at Stiglich's and they were in the bedroom when, "There was a loud knock on the door, then one of us opened the door. It was my brother. He was angry."
Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich was at the door and she was in the bedroom and that she could tell Ryan Robinson was angry by "looking at him, his tone of voice and how he was talking." When Ms. Eads asked her why she thought Ryan Robinson was angry, Jennifer Robinson said "Probably because I was over at Jud's."
Ms. Eads asked her, "What was Ryan saying?"
"He said he was gonna hurt us." When asked for specifics, Jennifer Robinson said," I'm gonna hurt you guys."
Jennifer Robinson said that she then walked out to her brother and said,"Bubby, let's go." She did not see any weapons in her brother's hand but she said she had a gun in her jacket pocket. Ms. eads asked her if she knew whether "Jud has his 45 at that time" or whether he had a gun at all. Jennifer Robinson responded,"After my brother was shot, I did."
Jennifer Robinson said that she grabbed her brother's arm and tried to get him into his car which was parked in the driveway on the other side of Stiglich's truck. Ryan Robinson's car was running with loud music blasting and in between sobs, she said, "I almost had him in the car. I told him Bubby, let's go home. He was trying to get away from me. He moved around me. He wouldn't listen to me."
Then she testified that Stiglich opened his garage, and that she got into the car and heard Stiglich ask her brother "if he was going to hurt me." Stiglich was standing inside the garage and she cannot remember if her brother responded. "Ryan went over to Jud and then I heard a shot." Jennifer Robinson was crying, Judson Stiglich was crying and Stiglich and Robinson family members were crying at this point.
Jennifer Robinson said that she got out of the car and heard Stiglich ask her brother, "Did I hurt you?" and Ryan Robinson respond, "Yeah" and then he fell backwards. She said her brother was standing on the gravel by the garage and that Stiglich was standing by the door of the garage.
Jennifer said that when Ryan had walked from the car towards Stiglich, "he was angry", she paused and then continued, "he was angry for me being with Jud. Usually my brother would listen to me but he wasn't listening to me and he was trying to get away from me." She also said that earlier she heard her brother say, "I'm going to get my gun."
When she heard the shot, she ran towards her brother and "All I could do is look at my brother's eyes while he was falling. I don't remember anything else."
Jennifer Robinson then ran to "Zach's house." He is Stiglich's brother and lives nearby. "I was freaking out. I wanted them to call the cops." Jennifer said she was screaming. "Jud just shot my brother." She is not sure who opened the door but she remembers Zach and his girlfriend Kelly.
"I didn't know what to do. I didn't know where Jud was." Then "I ran outside and seen Jud." She said she was "screaming for Jud and saw him by the garden."
"He had a gun to his head" When Ms. Eads asked her if Stiglich said anything, Jennifer said, "He said he was gonna shoot himself." She could not remember the specific words. She was crying and Stiglich wiped away tears after Mr. Clanton handed him a tissue.
"I begged him not to; please don't do that Jud." She said she could not remember if he gave her the gun or she took it from Stiglich. "I took the gun and said please don't do this." She said they went to her "mom's house, through the woods, to pray." Jennifer Robinson could not remember what the gun looked like, "I don't know" she said to Ms. Eads, "maybe black and silver."
Ms. Eads asked if they went directly to her mother's house and Jennifer Robinson said, "No, we stopped at Cutten school and I threw the gun into a bush."
"Why did you throw the gun?" asked Ms. Eads.
"I was scared he was going to kill himself and I didn't want him to, he was my best friend." Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich asked for the gun back but "I was begging him not to; I can't lose my Bubby and my best friend all in one night. I told him we had to go to my mom's house and pray."
Jennifer Robinson said that they woke her mother up and told her what had happened and asked her to "pray." When her mother came to the door, Jennifer Robinson said that she "told her my brother had been shot and that I did it because no one would believe it was an accident and I don't want my family to hate Jud."
Ms. Eads asked her, "What was Jud's response?" Jennifer Robinson said that Stiglich said, ""We have to tell the truth."
"Did he tell your mom he shot Ryan?"
"I think so," said Jennifer Robinson.
"I started to pray. I told Jud we had to pray and we prayed. Then my mom said Jud needed to go home and I gave Jud a hug and a kiss and he walked out of there." Jennifer Robinson said her mom left to go to the hospital "to meet my brother but he never showed up. I prayed and listened to Brother McDonald preach on the video and waited until the cops came and picked me."
Ms. Eads asked Jennifer Robinson why she took off her jacket at Zach's house and she responded that she "was hot" and then later she said she took off her shirt, possibly in the woods for the same reason and Stiglich gave her a sweatshirt.
Ms. Eads asked her why she told her mother that she shot her brother. Jennifer Robinson said that, "Jud is not a hateful person. He was never mean. I didn't feel like he could kill my Bubby. He knew how much Ryan meant to me. He didn't have vengeance in his heart towards Ryan."
Ms. Eads asked Jennifer Robinson why she didn't call 911. "I thought they were already there, I remember hearing sirens."
Previous post with other links and charges:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/01/ryan-robinsons-family-stares-at-judson.html?m=1
Feb 15, 2015
A US town has done more for persecuted Christians while our nation and world leaders just watch another beheading
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/02/13/symbol-hope-for-persecuted-christians/
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke
Eureka rally to kick off 40 days of life is part of the largest international pro-life coordinated effort
“We truly pray that this 40 Days for Life campaign will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Humboldt County and beyond,” said Stephanie Goodwin, who coordinates the local effort.
“We will start our campaign with a rally at the corner of Walford Avenue and Wilson Street on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.”
Eureka is one of 559 cities in 27 nations across the globe coming together to make 40 Days for Life the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.
Through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigil, God has used 40 Days for Life to spare 9,699 babies
from abortion, bring 107 abortion workers to Christ, and close 59 abortion centers. Join 40 Days for Life in Eureka from February 18 – March 29 to pray for the end of abortion. “We start this effort by drawing
members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessings on this effort. It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done to our city,” said
Allen Rode, previous Coordinator.
“This will mark the start of 40 days of prayer and fasting, with special attention to prayer in the public right-of-way near Planned Parenthood: 3225 Timber Fall Court, Suite B, in Eureka, California, as well
as various types of community outreach. We believe that every life is precious and look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our city,” said Lucinda Jackson, Public
Relations Coordinator.
All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time
frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.
For information about 40 Days for Life in Eureka, California, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/eureka.
“We will start our campaign with a rally at the corner of Walford Avenue and Wilson Street on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.”
Eureka is one of 559 cities in 27 nations across the globe coming together to make 40 Days for Life the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.
Through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigil, God has used 40 Days for Life to spare 9,699 babies
from abortion, bring 107 abortion workers to Christ, and close 59 abortion centers. Join 40 Days for Life in Eureka from February 18 – March 29 to pray for the end of abortion. “We start this effort by drawing
members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessings on this effort. It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done to our city,” said
Allen Rode, previous Coordinator.
“This will mark the start of 40 days of prayer and fasting, with special attention to prayer in the public right-of-way near Planned Parenthood: 3225 Timber Fall Court, Suite B, in Eureka, California, as well
as various types of community outreach. We believe that every life is precious and look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our city,” said Lucinda Jackson, Public
Relations Coordinator.
All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time
frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.
For information about 40 Days for Life in Eureka, California, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/eureka.
Meth and cocaine found on Garberville suspect who had warrant out for his arrest
On 02-11-2015, at approximately 5:57 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling the area of downtown Garberville. The deputy observed several suspicious people standing near a parked 1994 Ford Mustang near the 900 block of Redwood Drive. As the deputy passed by, the people seemed to become nervous and started dispersing. This particular area was known to the deputy to be a high drug trafficking area.
A short time later the deputy observed the Mustang traveling N/B on Redwood Drive. The deputy followed the vehicle which later turned onto Alderpoint Road and parked in a dirt pull out.
Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, the deputy learned the driver, Robert Joseph Cullen, was not licensed nor did he possess any identification. Cullen also had a local warrant for his arrest. Cullen was taken into custody and a subsequent search of his vehicle yielded approximately 16.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 2.6 grams of suspected cocaine.
Cullen was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance, driving unlicensed, and his warrant. Cullen was later released upon his own recognizance.
A short time later the deputy observed the Mustang traveling N/B on Redwood Drive. The deputy followed the vehicle which later turned onto Alderpoint Road and parked in a dirt pull out.
Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, the deputy learned the driver, Robert Joseph Cullen, was not licensed nor did he possess any identification. Cullen also had a local warrant for his arrest. Cullen was taken into custody and a subsequent search of his vehicle yielded approximately 16.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 2.6 grams of suspected cocaine.
Cullen was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance, driving unlicensed, and his warrant. Cullen was later released upon his own recognizance.
Feb 14, 2015
"So what the heck is all this about? Doesn't matter what I believe, what Mr. Elvine-Kreiss believes, it matters what you believe."
"So what the heck is all this about? Doesn't matter what I believe, what Mr. Elvine-Kreiss believes, it matters what you believe." This is a quote from DDA Kelly Neel's closing, just a couple hours later, Matthew Brown listened in shock as he was convicted of 2nd degree murder for the death of Neil Decker.
No media covered the entire trial. Only one media outlet, Channel 3 was there for the first two days. Times-Standard got a quote after the verdict was in and jury had left.
I covered the entire trial as I do the cases I follow from start to finish. From detailed opening arguments to the closing arguments and the verdict. You can find all the posts on this blog and I would urge you to read them.
Did the jury in the Matthew Brown base their decision on evidence or emotion? The jury came back in less than 3 hours. It is very unfortunate that Neil Decker was shot and killed.
The jury decided the fate of a man in less than three hours. They had the option of murder, first degree or second degree, voluntary manslaughter and justified killing. They asked for the interviews while deliberating. I wrote earlier that the interviews could impact the outcome of the case.
The fact that this case has the outcome it did is because DDA Kelly Neel is a very good prosecutor. My opinion of this case is not a reflection on her abilities. In fact, she did an incredible job of what I think was a case weak on evidence and full of unanswered questions.
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss did an incredible job of defending Brown. His closing argument is how I felt after sitting through that trial. I am someone who would be considered pro-law enforcement and pro-prosecution but from Day 1, the defense had my attention because the prosecution witnesses were supporting the defense theory. As a juror, you have to keep an open mind, if I had been on the jury, I would listen to all the evidence. I have been on a high-profile jury before and I was one of the strongest hold-outs in not convicting someone based on the evidence. I held my ground even after being intimidated and pressured. That was not a murder case but a serious case, and the more serious the case, the stakes are higher.
If you have followed the daily coverage of this trial, you already know how I feel. There was more testimony from experts, more details on evidence collection, a lengthier trial in the Bodhi Tree case. There were many questions asked and left unanswered in the Brown case that would raise reasonable doubt in at least one or two jurors. Matthew Brown is a defendant who showed remorse unlike a cold, unrepentant Bodhi Tree or a unremorseful, unrepentant Gary Lee Bullock who sits in jail stubborn and defiant despite overwhelming evidence that he killed, tortured and then robbed and fled the scene.
The jurors were tense and refused to speak to me or the attorneys and left in a hurry. When they were polled, they all said this was their verdict. So all one can do is speculate. Most juries talk and get along before going into the jury room. This jury sat by themselves, some people from their demeanor did not want to be there. So did a few strong voices overwhelm the rest? Did not wanting to come back from a three day weekend play a role? A murder verdict in less 3 hours shows many had their minds made up. I think they gave a lot of weight to Matthew Brown's initial interview where he denied shooting Decker. Even though that was explained. I think the people on that jury cannot relate to someone who has a past, they do not know what it is like to be an outsider in Humboldt County, they cannot relate to the wild rural west or being hungry or homeless. They either are clueless to the world of drugs and vigilante justice or in denial about what rural Humboldt is really like. In their worlds, things are black and white.
Opening and closing arguments are not evidence, they are opinion. Juries are given instructions about that. Mr. Elvine-Kreiss' opening and closing had evidence to back it. Mr. Elvine-Kreiss told the jury, Don't let emotions overcome the facts?"
Link to definition of murder, degrees of murder, voluntary manslaughter, self-defense and penalties:
http://www.shouselaw.com/murder.html
No media covered the entire trial. Only one media outlet, Channel 3 was there for the first two days. Times-Standard got a quote after the verdict was in and jury had left.
I covered the entire trial as I do the cases I follow from start to finish. From detailed opening arguments to the closing arguments and the verdict. You can find all the posts on this blog and I would urge you to read them.
Did the jury in the Matthew Brown base their decision on evidence or emotion? The jury came back in less than 3 hours. It is very unfortunate that Neil Decker was shot and killed.
The jury decided the fate of a man in less than three hours. They had the option of murder, first degree or second degree, voluntary manslaughter and justified killing. They asked for the interviews while deliberating. I wrote earlier that the interviews could impact the outcome of the case.
The fact that this case has the outcome it did is because DDA Kelly Neel is a very good prosecutor. My opinion of this case is not a reflection on her abilities. In fact, she did an incredible job of what I think was a case weak on evidence and full of unanswered questions.
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss did an incredible job of defending Brown. His closing argument is how I felt after sitting through that trial. I am someone who would be considered pro-law enforcement and pro-prosecution but from Day 1, the defense had my attention because the prosecution witnesses were supporting the defense theory. As a juror, you have to keep an open mind, if I had been on the jury, I would listen to all the evidence. I have been on a high-profile jury before and I was one of the strongest hold-outs in not convicting someone based on the evidence. I held my ground even after being intimidated and pressured. That was not a murder case but a serious case, and the more serious the case, the stakes are higher.
If you have followed the daily coverage of this trial, you already know how I feel. There was more testimony from experts, more details on evidence collection, a lengthier trial in the Bodhi Tree case. There were many questions asked and left unanswered in the Brown case that would raise reasonable doubt in at least one or two jurors. Matthew Brown is a defendant who showed remorse unlike a cold, unrepentant Bodhi Tree or a unremorseful, unrepentant Gary Lee Bullock who sits in jail stubborn and defiant despite overwhelming evidence that he killed, tortured and then robbed and fled the scene.
The jurors were tense and refused to speak to me or the attorneys and left in a hurry. When they were polled, they all said this was their verdict. So all one can do is speculate. Most juries talk and get along before going into the jury room. This jury sat by themselves, some people from their demeanor did not want to be there. So did a few strong voices overwhelm the rest? Did not wanting to come back from a three day weekend play a role? A murder verdict in less 3 hours shows many had their minds made up. I think they gave a lot of weight to Matthew Brown's initial interview where he denied shooting Decker. Even though that was explained. I think the people on that jury cannot relate to someone who has a past, they do not know what it is like to be an outsider in Humboldt County, they cannot relate to the wild rural west or being hungry or homeless. They either are clueless to the world of drugs and vigilante justice or in denial about what rural Humboldt is really like. In their worlds, things are black and white.
Opening and closing arguments are not evidence, they are opinion. Juries are given instructions about that. Mr. Elvine-Kreiss' opening and closing had evidence to back it. Mr. Elvine-Kreiss told the jury, Don't let emotions overcome the facts?"
Link to definition of murder, degrees of murder, voluntary manslaughter, self-defense and penalties:
http://www.shouselaw.com/murder.html
"This is a third world country, wild west in Humboldt County"
DDA Kelly Neel's closing:
Ms. Neel showed a photo of Neil Decker to the jury and the shotgun Matthew Brown used to kill Decker. She had his last words typed on the screen, very powerful and emotional. "Mr. Decker can't be here to tell you what happened because Matthew Brown killed an unarmed man." Ms. Neel said that the killing was not justified and that Brown did not have a valid excuse to kill Neil Decker. "
She then picked up the shotgun and said that Brown had "this firearm strapped on his back." Ms. Neel said that Matthew Brown not parking in the driveway but a longer distance away was "so he wouldn't be seen coming and going."
In his testimony, Brown had said he parked where he did because he was concerned and wanted a safe route. He had said this after explaining why he feared for his life and things that night about being called up to Scott Johnson's house that set off red flags for him.
Ms. Neel said that "Matthew Brown knew he was going to kill someone" and that witnesses said that Neil Decker and Scott Johnson were unarmed. These witnesses were Decker's girlfriend and Johnson's girlfriend who openly on the stand stated how much she disliked Matthew Brown.
"So what the heck is this all about? Doesn't matter what I believe, what Mr. Elvine-Kreiss believes, it matters what you believe," she said to the jury. "Matthew Brown had nowhere to go, that's why he killed Neil Decker."
Ms. Neel brought up that Brown lied to law enforcement in his initial interview and brought up two felony convictions as reasons not to believe him. The only lie he told in that interview was denying shooting Decker. He did not go to prison for his two convictions and the prosecution's own witness, Johnson's girlfriend, Johanna Hames, who was in the adjoining room upstairs where Decker was shot, testified on the stand and the prosecution's own witnesses contradicted some of her testimony.
Ms, Neel said that Brown was "trying to position himself with Scott Johnson instead of Neil Decker."
Ms. Neel quoted Brown's ex-girlfriend and an ex of Scott Johnson's, Kara Williams (Kessler) saying that Brown had allegedly told her,"I will kill Neil for my dad if I have to."
"It does not matter how many crocodile tears he (referring to Brown taking the stand) cries up here, it does not change what happened that day," said Ms. Neel. She asked the jury to watch the interviews again and "juxtapose it with the sad face in court." Ms. Neel said that because Brown had loaded the shotgun and parked a distance away from the house, he had an "escape plan" and that showed pre-meditation. The jury did not convict Brown of the charge of "wilful, pre-meditated murder."
"The person who can tell the truth is dead," said Ms. Neel. She was referring to Scott Johnson. It was the defense who questioned HCSO about Johnson's death and who the suspect was and they were tight-lipped.
Referring to Brown's testimony on the stand, Ms. Neel said, "Matthew Brown had six to seven months to concoct this version."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss' closing:
"We all have moments we react to to based on our life's experiences. Neil Decker and Matthew Brown had a moment and sadly, Neil Decker is dead."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said that the "evidence consistently shows the killing is justified."
"Matt experienced Neil as a vigilante in the Wild West. He knew as an outsider living in that area put him in a different position. He reasonably thought Neil Decker would harm him when Neil Decker came around that bed." Brown had testified that he shot Decker when Decker came at him and reached behind his back and that he had done this previously as if reaching for a gun.
"You heard Ms. Neel make theories. You can make up theories," said Mr. Elvine-Kreiss. "It's not reasonable to think there's a plan." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said if there had been a plan, "Neil Decker could have been killed in the dark, in the driveway, with no witnesses. Why kill him in a bedroom with others around?" Brown had testified that he initially ran into Decker in the driveway that night and no one else was around.
"Each of you individually has a responsibility to weigh what is reasonable or not reasonable and give my client a fair trial."
"Matt got up on the stand and said he lied and why. He was honest, he was sincere, he was terrified." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss quoted Williams (Kessler) saying Brown " was scared shitless."
"This is not a plan he contrived so he could stay at a horrible place, you saw the property. These people chose to live in a lawless place with vigilantism and the wild west."
Don't let emotions overcome the facts."
"Ms. Hames, she loved Neil and Scott. I have lost someone I loved. She tells you Neil was calm, that's not realistic or credible. Kara (Williams/Kessler) told you Neil was angry, my client told you Neil was angry."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss referring to a statement Ms. Neel had made said, "At any point thinking that he could get away with it, is ridiculous. "
Referring to Brown's state of mind in that room before the shooting, "He was trapped upstairs with nowhere to go, he jumped off the balcony. Neil was pissed off, he reaches behind his back, Matt is thinking that this is the moment he is going to get killed. Scott (his dad) is not doing anything. He is lying on the bed near a gun hidden under the headboard."
"Matt lived in intimidation in the Wild West." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up the fact that law enforcement wouldn't give details on Scott Johnson's death. He was the only eye witness to the shooting.
"The People can sanitize this, but there are certain facts in this case. One, my client killed Neil Decker. Two, my client was scared shitless."
"In this well-lit room, we cannot understand the condition my client was in."
He brought up the credibility of prosecution witnesses. "Melissa Toner and Johanna Hames loved Neil Decker. Of course they are going to paint Neil in a different light. Neil Decker's family sitting in a courtroom intimidated Kara Williams (Kessler)." Williams still testified that "Neil was intimidating."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that a prosecution witness, Laura Hall testified that Brown came to her the day after the shooting and testified that Brown showed genuine remorse for what he did. "This is not a cold-blooded killer."
"He was a caretaker so he moved the tools" to keep them safe, he was kicked out of living on Johnson's property (after Williams broke up with him) and he still came back to work. This is not someone trying to position himself."
"Everyone is trying to make a big deal that Matt didn't make a self-defense claim (to law enforcement). He is a felon with a gun who killed someone, he is not going to tell law enforcement that he hated Neil Decker. He is not going to write a self-defense claim, he gets a lawyer."
"People do not run away if they are not scared." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that HCSO Sgt. Sam Williams said that in seven years, he did not go that area alone. Others had testified that they usually went up there with someone, unless they had to alone, and preferred a partner.
"This is a third world country, wild west in Humboldt County."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that when DOJ's Kay Belschner testified, blood and fingerprints were not tested on a hammer from the crime scene. Forensic pathologist Dr. Super did not give any definitive answers but did say that the "victim could have been lunging towards the shooter."
Greg Benson, someone who had testified earlier about Decker shooting him "was not happy to be here" because Decker and he were friends. Defense had called him as a witness. "So in court, he tells you a different version of what happened."
"I brought detectives to show you the lawlessness of the area, they won't tell you who killed Scott Johnson, it wasn't my client." Referring to the gas can found by Johnson's body that was discovered 4 days after Decker was shot and what Brown told law enforcement in that first interview, Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said that "common sense would tell you they were coming down to the cabin to burn it down and kill my client."
"I don't know why law enforcement won't talk about the deaths of Scott Johnson and Garrett Rodriguez. No one wants to talk about meth. Neil Decker's blood had high levels of meth." Brown had admitted to doing meth earlier that morning. Decker did meth regularly but no one testified to any timeline. "Meth did not make my client kill Neil Decker, he could have killed him in the drieway, in the dark, with no witnesses."
Ms. Neel showed a photo of Neil Decker to the jury and the shotgun Matthew Brown used to kill Decker. She had his last words typed on the screen, very powerful and emotional. "Mr. Decker can't be here to tell you what happened because Matthew Brown killed an unarmed man." Ms. Neel said that the killing was not justified and that Brown did not have a valid excuse to kill Neil Decker. "
She then picked up the shotgun and said that Brown had "this firearm strapped on his back." Ms. Neel said that Matthew Brown not parking in the driveway but a longer distance away was "so he wouldn't be seen coming and going."
In his testimony, Brown had said he parked where he did because he was concerned and wanted a safe route. He had said this after explaining why he feared for his life and things that night about being called up to Scott Johnson's house that set off red flags for him.
Ms. Neel said that "Matthew Brown knew he was going to kill someone" and that witnesses said that Neil Decker and Scott Johnson were unarmed. These witnesses were Decker's girlfriend and Johnson's girlfriend who openly on the stand stated how much she disliked Matthew Brown.
"So what the heck is this all about? Doesn't matter what I believe, what Mr. Elvine-Kreiss believes, it matters what you believe," she said to the jury. "Matthew Brown had nowhere to go, that's why he killed Neil Decker."
Ms. Neel brought up that Brown lied to law enforcement in his initial interview and brought up two felony convictions as reasons not to believe him. The only lie he told in that interview was denying shooting Decker. He did not go to prison for his two convictions and the prosecution's own witness, Johnson's girlfriend, Johanna Hames, who was in the adjoining room upstairs where Decker was shot, testified on the stand and the prosecution's own witnesses contradicted some of her testimony.
Ms, Neel said that Brown was "trying to position himself with Scott Johnson instead of Neil Decker."
Ms. Neel quoted Brown's ex-girlfriend and an ex of Scott Johnson's, Kara Williams (Kessler) saying that Brown had allegedly told her,"I will kill Neil for my dad if I have to."
"It does not matter how many crocodile tears he (referring to Brown taking the stand) cries up here, it does not change what happened that day," said Ms. Neel. She asked the jury to watch the interviews again and "juxtapose it with the sad face in court." Ms. Neel said that because Brown had loaded the shotgun and parked a distance away from the house, he had an "escape plan" and that showed pre-meditation. The jury did not convict Brown of the charge of "wilful, pre-meditated murder."
"The person who can tell the truth is dead," said Ms. Neel. She was referring to Scott Johnson. It was the defense who questioned HCSO about Johnson's death and who the suspect was and they were tight-lipped.
Referring to Brown's testimony on the stand, Ms. Neel said, "Matthew Brown had six to seven months to concoct this version."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss' closing:
"We all have moments we react to to based on our life's experiences. Neil Decker and Matthew Brown had a moment and sadly, Neil Decker is dead."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said that the "evidence consistently shows the killing is justified."
"Matt experienced Neil as a vigilante in the Wild West. He knew as an outsider living in that area put him in a different position. He reasonably thought Neil Decker would harm him when Neil Decker came around that bed." Brown had testified that he shot Decker when Decker came at him and reached behind his back and that he had done this previously as if reaching for a gun.
"You heard Ms. Neel make theories. You can make up theories," said Mr. Elvine-Kreiss. "It's not reasonable to think there's a plan." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said if there had been a plan, "Neil Decker could have been killed in the dark, in the driveway, with no witnesses. Why kill him in a bedroom with others around?" Brown had testified that he initially ran into Decker in the driveway that night and no one else was around.
"Each of you individually has a responsibility to weigh what is reasonable or not reasonable and give my client a fair trial."
"Matt got up on the stand and said he lied and why. He was honest, he was sincere, he was terrified." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss quoted Williams (Kessler) saying Brown " was scared shitless."
"This is not a plan he contrived so he could stay at a horrible place, you saw the property. These people chose to live in a lawless place with vigilantism and the wild west."
Don't let emotions overcome the facts."
"Ms. Hames, she loved Neil and Scott. I have lost someone I loved. She tells you Neil was calm, that's not realistic or credible. Kara (Williams/Kessler) told you Neil was angry, my client told you Neil was angry."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss referring to a statement Ms. Neel had made said, "At any point thinking that he could get away with it, is ridiculous. "
Referring to Brown's state of mind in that room before the shooting, "He was trapped upstairs with nowhere to go, he jumped off the balcony. Neil was pissed off, he reaches behind his back, Matt is thinking that this is the moment he is going to get killed. Scott (his dad) is not doing anything. He is lying on the bed near a gun hidden under the headboard."
"Matt lived in intimidation in the Wild West." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up the fact that law enforcement wouldn't give details on Scott Johnson's death. He was the only eye witness to the shooting.
"The People can sanitize this, but there are certain facts in this case. One, my client killed Neil Decker. Two, my client was scared shitless."
"In this well-lit room, we cannot understand the condition my client was in."
He brought up the credibility of prosecution witnesses. "Melissa Toner and Johanna Hames loved Neil Decker. Of course they are going to paint Neil in a different light. Neil Decker's family sitting in a courtroom intimidated Kara Williams (Kessler)." Williams still testified that "Neil was intimidating."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that a prosecution witness, Laura Hall testified that Brown came to her the day after the shooting and testified that Brown showed genuine remorse for what he did. "This is not a cold-blooded killer."
"He was a caretaker so he moved the tools" to keep them safe, he was kicked out of living on Johnson's property (after Williams broke up with him) and he still came back to work. This is not someone trying to position himself."
"Everyone is trying to make a big deal that Matt didn't make a self-defense claim (to law enforcement). He is a felon with a gun who killed someone, he is not going to tell law enforcement that he hated Neil Decker. He is not going to write a self-defense claim, he gets a lawyer."
"People do not run away if they are not scared." Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that HCSO Sgt. Sam Williams said that in seven years, he did not go that area alone. Others had testified that they usually went up there with someone, unless they had to alone, and preferred a partner.
"This is a third world country, wild west in Humboldt County."
Mr. Elvine-Kreiss brought up that when DOJ's Kay Belschner testified, blood and fingerprints were not tested on a hammer from the crime scene. Forensic pathologist Dr. Super did not give any definitive answers but did say that the "victim could have been lunging towards the shooter."
Greg Benson, someone who had testified earlier about Decker shooting him "was not happy to be here" because Decker and he were friends. Defense had called him as a witness. "So in court, he tells you a different version of what happened."
"I brought detectives to show you the lawlessness of the area, they won't tell you who killed Scott Johnson, it wasn't my client." Referring to the gas can found by Johnson's body that was discovered 4 days after Decker was shot and what Brown told law enforcement in that first interview, Mr. Elvine-Kreiss said that "common sense would tell you they were coming down to the cabin to burn it down and kill my client."
"I don't know why law enforcement won't talk about the deaths of Scott Johnson and Garrett Rodriguez. No one wants to talk about meth. Neil Decker's blood had high levels of meth." Brown had admitted to doing meth earlier that morning. Decker did meth regularly but no one testified to any timeline. "Meth did not make my client kill Neil Decker, he could have killed him in the drieway, in the dark, with no witnesses."
Penalties and potential years in prison Matthew Brown could get for shooting Neil Decker
Before hearing closing arguments yesterday, on the very last day of the trial, a juror was unwell and an alternate sat in right before final jury instructions and closing arguments. That juror was also elected the foreman.
Matthew Brown was convicted of California Penal Code 187 of second-degree murder, according to California law, he faces 15 years-to-life in the state prison. There are special circumstances that can enhance his sentence. Brown can get an additional 10, 20 or 25-years to life in prison since he personally used a firearm during the commission of the murder and that was one of the special allegations charged. He also caused great bodily injury by personally and intentionally discharging the firearm in the shooting of Neil Decker.
We will have to wait for sentencing to know the outcome.
Link to definition of murder, degrees of murder, voluntary manslaughter, self-defense and penalties:
http://www.shouselaw.com/murder.html
Matthew Brown was convicted of California Penal Code 187 of second-degree murder, according to California law, he faces 15 years-to-life in the state prison. There are special circumstances that can enhance his sentence. Brown can get an additional 10, 20 or 25-years to life in prison since he personally used a firearm during the commission of the murder and that was one of the special allegations charged. He also caused great bodily injury by personally and intentionally discharging the firearm in the shooting of Neil Decker.
We will have to wait for sentencing to know the outcome.
Link to definition of murder, degrees of murder, voluntary manslaughter, self-defense and penalties:
http://www.shouselaw.com/murder.html
Unfortunate drowning in Orick
On 02/13/15 at about 2252 hours, deputies were dispatched to the area of the Redwood Creek Bridge in Orick for a report of a possible drowning that occurred. Deputies arrived on scene at about 2330 hours, and located a white Ford truck with a boat and trailer on the river bar northwest of the Redwood Creek Bridge. Two subjects reported their friend had drowned and was currently in the boat on the trailer.
The victim and his two companions started their three day rafting trip at Stover Bridge on Redwood Creek and planned on rafting down the river over the next three days. At approximately 1600hrs., the group reached Redwood Falls, 12 miles from Orick. The victim and one companion exited the boat and proceeded down river, while the other companion negotiated the falls. The victim and his companion set up a series of safety ropes to assist in catching the boat if it didn’t make it through the falls safely. The boat made it safely through the falls, but the victim was caught in the safety rope and unable to free himself. Once the companions were able to reach the victims location in the water 15-20 minutes had gone by. When the companions reached the victim he was deceased.
Due to the remoteness of the area, the companions were unable to notify the authorities at the time. The two companions transported the victim, by boat, the remaining distance to Orick, where they contacted law enforcement.
The victim and his two companions started their three day rafting trip at Stover Bridge on Redwood Creek and planned on rafting down the river over the next three days. At approximately 1600hrs., the group reached Redwood Falls, 12 miles from Orick. The victim and one companion exited the boat and proceeded down river, while the other companion negotiated the falls. The victim and his companion set up a series of safety ropes to assist in catching the boat if it didn’t make it through the falls safely. The boat made it safely through the falls, but the victim was caught in the safety rope and unable to free himself. Once the companions were able to reach the victims location in the water 15-20 minutes had gone by. When the companions reached the victim he was deceased.
Due to the remoteness of the area, the companions were unable to notify the authorities at the time. The two companions transported the victim, by boat, the remaining distance to Orick, where they contacted law enforcement.
Feb 13, 2015
Jury finds Matthew Brown guilty of second degree murder
The jurors did not want to discuss their decision and left after Judge John Feeney excused them.
The jurors had an option of first and second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. They were also told what constituted a "justified killing."
Matthew Brown was found guilty of second degree murder and guilty of the two special allegations of personally and intentionally discharging firearm in the commission of that crime and personally and intentionally discharging a firearm that caused great bodily injury.
The jurors had an option of first and second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. They were also told what constituted a "justified killing."
Matthew Brown was found guilty of second degree murder and guilty of the two special allegations of personally and intentionally discharging firearm in the commission of that crime and personally and intentionally discharging a firearm that caused great bodily injury.
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