Jon Goldberg found guilty of 2nd degree murder; not guilty Counts 2 and 3

Verdict in Jon Goldberg case: Second degree murder, special allegation true for first count. Counts 2 and 3 not guilty.

Verdict, hung jury or significant development in the Jon Goldberg trial?

Verdict or significant development in the Jon Goldberg trial?

The jury came in at 9:10 a.m. today, took one late mid morning break and then left around 11:50 for lunch.

No readback today, no notes. Things have been tense but they looked more relaxed when they went home yesterday.

I saw Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal and Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo head towards Courtroom 2 this morning.

Based on my observations and interactions of the jury before lunch (having covered several jury trials) and seeing members of Tim Smith's family back at the courthouse already, during the lunch hour, I am going to venture that after the lunch break, there is either a verdict, an annnouncement of a hung jury or some significant development in the case.

I was going to take lunch but now am going to wait outside Courtroom 2 to see if attorneys or other family members or victim witness representatives show up. And all the family members and friends of Tim Smith's are here now.

Desiree Henley pleads guilty to aiding and abetting in Blue Heron fire

Trial confirmation for arson suspect Desiree Henley was scheduled for March 22; continued to March 23. Case resolved.

Felony conviction for getting repeated DUIs within 10 years, Mendocino knows how to sentence drunk drivers

No probation, credit for time served, not a bad plea deal for Edward Winkle White

Winkle Edward White was sentenced March 22 to 180 days in jail but he was given 90 days credit for time served and 90 days good conduct credits. No supervised release; no probation. Fines totalling $630. White was served with a CLETS protective order.

Law enforcement looking for Zachary Harrison in Alderpoint

Update (March 26):

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek homicide suspect Zachary Cordell Harrison. Harrison is wanted on charges of murder in connection to the shooting death of 58- year-old Robert Holtsclaw in Alderpoint September 23, 2017.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that harboring, concealing or aiding a fugitive from justice is a felony. Anyone found harboring Harrison is subject to arrest.

Jury left for the day, attorneys met with Judge

At around 3:25 the jury buzzed again. Both attorneys arrived between 4:04 and 4:06 p.m. Jury left at 4:15. The attorneys met with Judge Graham Cribbs in a closed courtroom.

Jury is scheduled to return at 9 a.m.

Goldberg jury wants readback of Jon Goldberg and Timothy Roscoe testimony

Two jury requests at 2:15. One for readback of Jon Goldberg's trip to Tim Smith's residence; the other for Timothy Roscoe's testimony.

Jon Goldberg's presence was waived by Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo for these two notes.

"I have had six different attorneys!"

Former correctional deputy Cory Fisher is charged with alleged sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior involving six minor male victims.

995 motion to dismiss charges filed in court clerk John Beideman's case

A 995 motion to set aside charges filed in the John Beideman sexual abuse trial is set for April 4 at 8:30 in Courtroom 2. It was filed on March 21.

Defense expects resolution in assault case for Wesley Starritt

Assault suspect Wesley Starritt was arraigned on this morning. Same charges as the ones he was held to answer after the preliminary hearing.

Bail reduction scheduled for Chad Smith next week

Trial confirmation was scheduled today for Chad Smith. His jury trial is scheduled for April 2.  A pre trial and bail reduction hearing is scheduled for March 28.

Defense requests continuance for local jeweler Darin Goodale's court hearing

A pre-trial conference had been scheduled for local jeweler Darin Goodale on March 22. He is charged with reckless evading.

It was continued to May 15 at the defense's request.

Community forum on autism sponsored by FAAN and Humboldt County Library

Setting of Kimberly Felder's case continued to April 4

Kimberly Felder's hearing to receive doctor's report was continued from February 28 to March 14 to today.

It was also on for setting of preliminary hearing and confirmation of Counsel. Setting was continued to April 4.

Bail hearing scheduled for DUI and hit and run suspect James Merrick

Trial confirmation was scheduled for James Merrick this morning. Jury trial is still scheduled for April 9. A bail hearing is scheduled for March 26 at 8:30 in Courtroom 2.

The jury in the Jon Goldberg will consider Counts 1-3 and lesser charges to murder

The jury in the Jon Goldberg case will deliberate on the following charges:

Bernthal rebuttal long on conjecture, short on evidence

Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal in his rebuttal argument this afternoon provided the same ole, same ole.

As he has done throughout the case, Mr. Bernthal stated flat out opinions as facts. Opinions he provided no evidence for during the trial. Of course, he throws in one factual statement in between several mistatements.