The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: homicide

  • Local manhunt for homicide suspect ends with arrest

    by Sophia Escudero

    After one week at large, the suspect in a Kneeland homicide was taken into custody on April 10. Austin Michael Medeiros, 27, of Rhode Island, had been the subject of a search involving the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Arcata Police, and University Police following the suspicious death of a Kneeland woman, 28-year-old Emily Rose May Lobba, on April 3. Medeiros was apprehended in Santa Cruz attempting to steal a boat and was transferred to the Santa Cruz Police Department. SCPD officers found a stolen loaded gun and psychedelic mushrooms in Medeiros’ possession during a search.

    Official mugshot of Austin Michael Medeiros take April 10.

    On April 3, a caretaker arrived at Lobba’s residence and was denied entrance by Medeiros, leading to an argument. According to the caretaker, Medeiros and Lobba knew each other and had been spending time together the time prior to the incident. Medeiros assaulted the caretaker and fled the scene in Lobba’s vehicle, and the caretaker found Lobba deceased inside the home and contacted the authorities. A car chase between Medeiros and law enforcement ensued, ultimately resulting in Medeiros fleeing on foot into the Arcata Community Forest.

    Poppy Cartledge, a journalism student, witnessed the chase, driving to a sporting event with her partner when she heard police sirens and pulled over.

    “This van came right at us and swerved into our lane, and at first I thought it was a civilian driving, like, ‘ah, I gotta get out of the way real fast,’ but I realized they weren’t gonna stop, and then they ran the stop sign, and at that point I realized, this was a chase,” Cartledge said. “At that time, I thought it was just something with drugs, but it was crazy to find out it was a murder.”

    This case is particularly close to the campus community after an alert to the student body informing them of a search in the Arcata Community Forest, followed by an update just two hours later saying that the search had ceased. Still, the suspect had not been found.

    According to interim chief of University Police Peter Cress, the Sheriff’s Office had handled the majority of the search.

    “We had one unit on duty that day, one officer, and when the pursuit finished up on Fickle Hill Road and it was reported that the subject had fled into the woods, our officer on duty, Sergeant Carpenter, went up to Redwood Park and asked folks to stay out of the park,” Cress said. “Obviously, if the suspect had run through the park, he would have detained him or gone after him, but he was mostly there just to keep people out of the park at that time.”

    The search was conducted from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m and involved multiple ground crews, ATVs, and K-9 units. Officials called off the search when the suspect could not be found. According to Sheriff’s Office public information specialist Samantha Karges, it is believed that the suspect had fled the area soon after escaping the chase.

    “It’s my impression that he got out pretty quickly,” Karges said. “A lot of the time people won’t hang around where they escaped. They know it’s a hot area, people are going to be looking for them, and they want to get out of town.”

    It’s believed that Medeiros escaped to Santa Cruz by hitchhiking. No related violent incidents or injuries were reported during Medeiros’ time as a fugitive. Still, Karges urges members of the campus community always to be careful.

    “You could be a victim of a crime at any time,” Karges said. “It’s really important that we are aware of our surroundings, who we’re hanging out with, where we’re going, what we’re doing, those sorts of things. I know in university, we meet a lot of people, we make risky decisions when we’re young, so really think through who you’re getting in a car with, whose house or room you’re going to. Be cautious of new people, and get to know them before you invite them where you live or get into a car with them. Just use an abundance of caution.”

    Medeiros is currently being held in the Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of grand theft, carrying a loaded stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. He ispending extradition to Humboldt County on charges of murder, evading an officer, assault and battery, and possession of a controlled substance. The bail is at $1 million.

  • Press Release: APD Still Seeks Public’s Help in Lawson Case

    Press Release: APD Still Seeks Public’s Help in Lawson Case

    APD asks witnesses to come forward on third anniversary of David Josiah Lawson’s death

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    JOSIAH LAWSON HOMICIDE OCCURRED THREE YEARS AGO

    On this day three years ago HSU Student David Josiah Lawson was murdered in Arcata. This case remains under investigation and the Arcata Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance during the on-going investigation. On April 15, 2017, while attending a house party on Spear Avenue, Josiah was stabbed during an altercation. Josiah was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital. 

    Witnesses described upwards of 100 people in attendance at the house party. Many of those who were present have not been identified nor have they been interviewed by Detectives from the Arcata Police Department. The completion of this investigation is dependent on a number of factors including interviewing all people who were present at some point during the party or who have information that can corroborate what occurred that night.

    The Arcata Police Department established a 24 hour confidential tip line for community members to provide information relative to this investigation. The phone number is (707) 825-2590. Community members can also call the APD’s Dispatch Center at (707) 822-2424.  

    Keeping Josiah’s memory alive is paramount to this case. The Arcata Police Department will continue to investigate this case and will continue to work all investigative leads until justice prevails.  

    Attached in a separate email is a Public Service Announcement developed in partnership with DJ’s Mother, Charmaine Lawson, the Arcata Police Department, the Eureka Broadcasting Company and the City of Arcata’s IT Department. The PSA link is Facebook compatible. All are encouraged to share this link with anyone in order to never forget DJ and to encourage community members who have any information at all regarding who else was in attendance at the party and/or the events that led to DJ’s death, to come forward. 

    Public service announcement video reposted by the North Coast Journal:

  • Trust in police weakens as Chapman resigns

    Trust in police weakens as Chapman resigns

    As students, we have reasonable expectations of safety so we can focus on academic success without fear. This is not the reality for Humboldt State University students of color, both on campus and in the community. Both the Arcata Police Department and HSU have a long way to go to gain the trust of students of color.

    The recent resignation of APD police chief Tom Chapman only worsens public confidence in local law enforcement.

    A good deal of community members, including HSU students, are aware that 19-year-old HSU student David Josiah Lawson was murdered at an off-campus party in Arcata on April 15, 2017.

    McKinleyville resident Kyle Zoellner was arrested at the scene of the crime, but released on May 5, 2017, due to lack of evidence connecting him to the murder.

    There is a clear and serious disconnect within our community regarding racial diversity. Because Lawson is black and Zoellner is white, racial tensions tightened in the community. And as one group tries to engage with the community about race and public safety, others view such meetings as a way to promote white guilt.

    To this day, no one is in custody of Lawson’s open homicide case.

    Former FBI agent Tom Parker, who offered his investigative services on the Lawson case for free, resigned on April 9. According to the North Coast Journal, Parker said a lack of trust and cooperation by the APD led to his decision to resign.

    “It was clear they were holding back things and not telling me the truth,” Parker said. “They had things going on and they wouldn’t tell me what they were.”

    Chapman announced his resignation the following day without reason.

    Following a press release by the City of Arcata announcing Chapman’s resignation, Arcata City manager Karen Diemer followed up with local media concerning both departures.

    “[Chapman’s] decision does not stem from any one single thing,” Diemer said. “It is a combination of personal reasons and professional judgement on what he believes is best for the department and himself.”

    In regards to the Lawson case, Diemer said the APD continues the investigation without Chapman.

    “The investigative team for the David Josiah Lawson case is solidified with members of both the Arcata Police Department and District Attorney Investigators office,” Diemer said. “This team will stay in place and focused on the case through its completion.”

    Parker’s claim that the APD withheld information raises major concerns. While it’s reasonable to conceal information from the public during an open investigation, why wasn’t the APD willing to cooperate with Parker?

    Also suspicious is the timing of Chapman’s resignation. Why did Chapman resign the day after Parker terminated his contract with the APD and just five days before the one-year mark of Lawson’s death? Coincidence would be an unbelievable excuse.

    While there’s only so much we can do in a case like this, we can demand more from from our law enforcement and other officials. Check with the City of Arcata, the Arcata Police Department and the Division of Student Affairs at HSU about the investigation. Don’t just do it once, but follow up as well.

    We must stand in solidarity of not just the Lawson case, but for students of color. By remaining quiet, local law enforcement will prioritize less pressing issues and no progress will be made. We need to stand up for ourselves because the ones who should protect and serve us are stepping down.

  • Community gathers for David Josiah Lawson vigil

    Community gathers for David Josiah Lawson vigil

    Lawson’s homicide case is still open.

    Mother of David Josiah Lawson, Charmaine Lawson, drove eight hours to the Arcata Plaza to speak at her son’s vigil to remember, honor and celebrate his life. The African American Center for Academic Excellence organized Lawson’s vigil on Feb. 15.

    “For those of you who are mothers, I drove my baby to school and he came back in a box,” Charmaine said. “It’s not okay, I am not going to apologize for my tears. I am trying to be strong, but it’s hard.”

    Josiah’s homicide case remains open and active. The investigation interviewed 46 individuals that are believed to include all the witnesses who could have seen the fight and events leading up to the homicide.

    The initial review of all the evidence has been finalized with assistance from a retired FBI investigator, Tom Parker.

    Majority of forensic evidence has come back from the Department of Justice. Police are now awaiting a completion of DNA and specialty evidence testing.

    Humboldt State University student Erianna Blackwell said it’s important to come out for support.

    “Not only your people, but the cause,” Blackwell said. “Especially since they still haven’t found the killer.”

    Josiah was murdered 10 months ago at an off-campus house party. The city council held four meetings in 2017 to update the community on the investigation and present strategies on how to improve student safety.

    Michael Fennell, a Lawson supporter, said he’s been wearing his “Justice for Josiah” button for almost 10 months.

    “I didn’t think I would be wearing it for this long,” Fennell said. “I thought it would be solved long ago.”

    With two other children at home, Josiah’s mother told the crowd she was willing to move to Humboldt County to seek justice for her son.

    “If it takes me moving for the police to do their job, I will,” Lawson said. “I don’t care about materialistic things if I have to sell my car [or] my house. I’ll do it for my son.”

    Chairman of the Wiyot tribe, Ted Hernandez, showed up for the vigil and extended a prayer even though he had never met Josiah’s mother.

    “I came to support Charmaine as a parent. I have five children and some have gone to HSU,” Hernandez said. “It is all about the community and supporting the mother. It is a healing process.”

    Each month since Josiah’s death, a vigil has been organized in order to remember his memory and to put pressure on the ongoing investigation to find the murderer.

    HSU journalism major Angel Sylva said she comes every month.

    “I feel tired of having to come out every month,” Sylva said. “I feel like I’m coming out and nothing is being done. I come out regardless.”

    A reward of $40,000 has been offered to anyone with new information leading to the arrest and conviction of Josiah’s murderer.

    Mayor of the City of Arcata, Sofia Pereira, said when the AACAE asked her to come speak at the vigil, she agreed. But Pereira was uncertain on what she was going to say.

    Pereira said to Josiah’s mother, “You have given so much to the community. This is a community you owe nothing to.”

    “As a leader, I am going to fall short at times. I’d rather show up and fall short than to not show up at all,” Pereira said. “If we want true peace, we have to listen to our neighbors and take the situations seriously. I am engaging even though I feel uncomfortable.”

    Pereira has been mayor of Arcata for two months. Her first meeting as mayor was on Dec. 20. The council alternates the position on an annual basis.

    “I felt the gravity of the situation,” Pereira said. “It is not easy to speak in front of people who are grieving and want answers.”

    After the last meeting in October, students requested investigation updates be separated from the student safety discussion and that student safety meetings be held on campus following the October meeting.

    Student safety meetings in November and December were facilitated by students and held on campus. Meetings will continue to be held through the Student Diversity Committee with support from many campus club leaders.

    “My life will never be the same,” Charmaine said. “I can’t even mourn my child, because I have to fight for him. It is taking too long to get results.”

  • This week in news (April 12 to April 18)

    This week in news (April 12 to April 18)

    By Iridian Casarez

    Local

    -Collision on 299

    One person died and eight others were injured in a car collision on Highway 299 Monday afternoon.

    Source: News Channel 3

    -Myers Flat burglary and shooting

    Three people have been detained after a burglary and shooting in a Myers Flat home. Ramon Aviles, Ervin Dixon, and Alberto Garcia were arrested and transported the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Two other suspects are still being searched for.

    Source: News Channel 3

    -Humboldt geologist

    Lori Dengler, a tsunami and earthquake expert, commemorated the 1992 Cape Mendocino Earthquake at the Clarke Museum Saturday. The earthquake was a 7.2 magnitude temblor that hit the region on April 25, 1992 and caused over $60 million in losses.

    Source: Times Standard

    U.S.

    -The Tax March on Trump

    People marched and demanded President Trump to release his tax returns all throughout the United States on Saturday. The “Tax March” was organized in more than 150 cities and wanted to call attention to Trump’s refusal to disclose his tax history.

    Source: Newsweek

    -Facebook live homicide

    A man broadcasted himself killing an old man on Facebook live Sunday afternoon. Steve Stephens, 37, shot and killed Robert Godwin, 74, as an act of revenge on his girlfriend. Authorities are still searching for Stephens and have offered a $50,000 reward for his whereabouts. On April 18, Stephens was chased by the Cleveland Police Department in Erie County in Pennsylvania. The chase culminated with Stephens killing himself in his car.

    Source: CNN

    -Arkansas Supreme Court

    The Arkansas Supreme Court cancelled eight scheduled executions on Sunday. The executions were going to be the first executions in the state in a decade. Death-row inmates and their legal teams had been fighting the courts on their executions.

    Source: The Washington Post

    World

    -Education in Chile

    As lawmakers prepared to debate planned reforms, thousands of students took the streets in various Chile cities to protest demand improvements to the nation’s higher education system.

    Source: Reuters

    -Syrian civil war

    At an evacuation point on Sunday, a deadly explosion reportedly killed at least 100 people, including dozens of children, government supporters and opposition fighters.

    Source: NBC News

    -Former south Korean president

    The former South Korean president, Park Geun-hye, was indicted for bribery and abuse of power. Park was forced from office in March amid a massive corruption scandal that engulfed not just her government but also major companies like Samsung and Lotte Groups.

    Source: CNN