Jury stayed past 5 p.m. and have a verdict in the Kouri Richins case

(courtesy Law and Crime)

5:47 p.m. Richins waived 45 day limit for sentencing which is scheduled for May 13.

5:38 p.m. (PST) Kouri Richins just found guity of all five counts. As instructed by the judge, she showed no emotion and put her head down.

8 minutes ago, the jury reached a verdict in the murder trial for Kouri Richins. In about 20 minutes, Richins will learn her fate. The jury stayed past 5 p.m.

Closing arguments today. Jury deliberated three hours. Richins is charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder as first-degree felonies, two counts of insurance fraud which are a second-degree felonies and forgery which is a a third-degree felony in Utah.

Humboldt judges know repeat offenders criminal histories, when evaluating any release, public safety should be a factor, their decisions say otherwise

I got another nice email thanking me about my recent post on Michael Black and warning the local community. I am not going to share any part of it because the people and readers who appreciate me already know my value. I obviously am not going to share specifics because Black's victims have been through enough and there is no guarantee that the courts will keep the public or me safe. As I was updating OR bail hearings from Friday, the defendants granted supervised release by Humboldt Superior Judge Lawrence Killoran. These decisions are not in the interest of public safety. The rulings did not assure me about Monday afternoon's OR calendar.

All one has to do is look at the daily jail log for the probation violations and repeat offenders.

DA files order shortening time and motion minutes before Georgi Tonev hearing today

 

The March 11 post on human trafficking suspect Georgi Antonov Tonev has all the information you need to know until this post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/georgi-antonov-tonev-arrested-by-hcso.html?m=1#more

At arraignment, the DA's office had indicated they would file a PC 1275. 1 motion which requires the defendant to prove money or property used for bail was acquired legally and not through criminal activity. 

I checked all morning several times and the DA just filed an order shortening time and a motion but it does not indicate what the motion is and I don't know yet if the OR bail hearing will be continued. It maybe the bail motion; it maybe another motion.

This post will be updated but I don't know if it will be today. Even with me going to the courthouse several times a day, spending all day, updates are not always live and the same day due to factors beyond my control and not my fault.

Hoopa suspects arraigned for 6 felonies and special allegation confirms the tip I got about street gang activity

On Friday, there was a late arraignment for the Hoopa suspects. 

Nothing will show up accessible in e court for 15 year old Preston Lee Ruiz II due to his age. Ruiz was also booked into juvenile hall. 

William RandolphBilly Warren and Tselin Q Lincoln both are on a no bail status and were arraigned on 3/13. Rees, Conflict Counsel appointed was appointed by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran for Warren and Public Defender for Lincoln. Both cases are on tomorrow for pre trial and confirmation of counsel. Preliminary examination is on 4/28. 

Both are charged with 6 felonies and special allegations for each count which include attempted murder and one of the special allegations in Count 5 confirms what I was told about street gang activity. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case.

Even though the victim has been named on social media and another local outlet named him; he is listed as John Doe 1 and John Doe in the criminal complaint.

I emailed Humboldt District Attorney Stacey Eads and Deputy DA Roger Rees with some questions and the post will be updated.

For the public unfortunately Michael Black, the criminal with more lives than a cat is back in Humboldt

I have covered Michael Black since 2019. He is unfortunately back in Humboldt.

I happened to be in court covering several other cases. I have wasted years covering many repeat offenders, am still covering them and there are some like Michael Black I will no longer cover waste time as the Humboldt criminal justice makes a mockery and keeps releasing egregious, repeat offenders. 

Black must have run out of money. Doesn't look like his family is willing to cough up dough for a private attorney. Ms. Kathleen Bryson was in court on 3/12/26 but told Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran that Black cannot retain her. Black was given more than one chance when we was represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan. In 2019, the trial I covered involved his former attorney Russ Clanton who is now retired.

Black was in court on 3/12/26 for probation violations. The Public Defender's Office was appointed. Deputy Public Defender David Celli waived OR bail without prejudice "given the number of files and nature of charges."  

I doubt Mr. Celli will get Black's case.Which means it will go to an enabling public defender.

If I see pigs flying, I may check Black's next court date and I hope the outcome is for Black to admitted he violated probation and for certain Humboldt Public Defenders if they get assigned this case to finally stop manipulating the criminal justice system and for Black to be sent to prison.

There is a constant target on my back because I am at the courthouse and known and recognized to these criminals. Tavin Evans threatened me last week in open court, in front of the bailiff.

Unfortunately, as many of you have experienced yourselves; Humboldt law enforcement, the DA's office, the judges and even local lawyers have also failed to protect me. Money makes no difference. Humboldt, California and Democrats coddle criminals. 

I have no idea why certain Humboldt judges are so reluctant to sentence criminals; especially repeat offenders; to jail or prison. The same judges who undo the work of other Humboldt judges trying to hold criminals and repeat offenders accountable.

There are years of previous posts on Black and as I have said several times, I am not going to provide links anymore for previous coverage for all posts. 

18 year old Jack Nye arrested by Fortuna PD for criminal threats, robbery and probation violation

 

The EPD press release in January 2026 did not list a middle name but unless there is another 18 year old Jack Nye, this seems to be the same person. The charges Nye was booked for today include the charges from the January 2026 arrest. The case was filed on 1/20/26. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence granted Nye supervised release on 1/22/26. He failed to appear for his preliminary hearing on 3/12/26. Alleged victim in the EPD case is Antone Connich.

Nye has a stay away from the Travelodge, Best Western and 4th and H listed on the supervised release order.

Early a.m. today, Jack Jordan Nye was arrested by Fortuna Police Department on a bench warrant for PC 422 criminal threats,  PC 664/211 attempted robbery, PC488 petty theft, PC 417.4 brandishing an imitation firearm, PC12022(b)(1) and probation violation.

Want to check on a case and have not seen an update or new post in a while?

Many of you are interested in several cases this week.You already know  I am updating several cases this weekend including Joy Hostler, Tavin Evans, Georgi Tonev. It may even take me until Monday evening because some cases like Tonev are on again Monday afternoon and some court minutes were not entered on Friday which I like to include even if I was in the courtroom. You can see yourself what an out of control busy week it has been and it has been this way for months.  One of the updates I added just now was to convicted felon and sex offender Andrew Tuttle's case. To check on any case, enter the name in the search box which is on the right sidebar of my blog. Then on top of the page, select date. It will bring up every post. I do add updates to certain previous posts until I do a new post. So, even if my last post on a case was a few months ago or  November 2025 or January 2026, there will be updates if there is anything to report. You know all the reasons there aren't new posts and why some posts aren't updated daily or as detailed as they were 12 years ago. Besides readers, law enforcement, attorneys, court staff, people across the country follow my coverage. Most convenient way to get a on on one customized update is to subscribe or contribute. The number of daily posts I do varies so it is best to check the blog daily; at least once. Twice is better. Thank you for reading and following.

If this Cruz waiver granted to Matthew Miller and plea deal for reduced charge and dismissal of the rape counts backfires; will Humboldt Superior Court judges and DA apologize to the public?

 

Matthew Miller originally had three cases. One was dismissed because the DA could not mest the burden of proof. Of the other two, Miller waived preliminary hearing in one case and was held to answer in the rape case.

You have a booking photo of Miller and others that I worked diligently to get and which were issued before the Ninth Circuit ruling.

On 3/12/26, at the Readiness conference  in his other two cases, Miller resolved his case before jury trial.

In his 2025 case, Miller entered plea which includes no addtionall jail time and alcohol treatment. A cruz waiver requested by defense was granted by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward.

In his 2024 case, Miller waived appellate rights; return of property request was granted; the rape counts were dismissed and Miller pleaded guilty to PC 242 battery as a misdemeanor.

Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People and the entry of plea. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell for Miller.

Sentencing is on 4/9.

I said Humboldt Superior judges because Judge Steward took the plea. However, other judges have heard the case. If Miller breaks the law or fails to appear for sentencing, he could appear before another judge.

I have provided court minutes from 3/12/26. I have also included links to previous coverage.

Thanks to reply all feature, now all the media on the list know at least one Eureka Councilmember, Scott Bauer thanked EPD for a press release three days later

 

Thanks to reply all feature, now all the media on the list know at least one Eureka Councilmember, Scott Bauer thanked EPD for a press release three days later. Would be nicer if EPD rank and file got a bonus, pay raise & Eureka City Council gave them the go ahead and tools to clean Old Town and downtown of the same miscreants that loiter around for decades and won't take the help and resources available. 3rd, 4 th, 5th, 6th, 7th, H, I and Myrtle is law abiding citizens navigating through the Humboldt version of Minecraft.

If this older Preston Ruiz has any connection to the 15 year old Hoopa juvenile suspect, does HCSO know, will the Humboldt DA and defense look into it?

 

I checked the name of all three Hoopa suspects in Humboldt Superior Court and did not find anything. 

I did find records for an adult named Preston Lee Ruiz. I have no idea if he is related to the juvenile Hoopa suspect but based on decades of covering Humboldt Superior Court, chances are there is some connection. The dob definitely rules out that none of these cases are the 15 year old. I could only share one screenshot from one case for the older Ruiz because the other cases are so old, there are no documents or minutes in e court.

The older Ruiz has a 2024 traffic case conviction, a 2008 misdemeanor conviction driving on suspended license, another 2008 traffic conviction for suspended license in and a 2007 case DUI conviction.

Tse-Lin Qhaba Red Cloud Perry Wayne Lincoln is 19 years old and William Randolph “Billy” Warren, also known as William “Bubbz” Lincoln is 18 years-old. HCSO press releases list a shortened version of the name. In future coverage, I will list the names of these two suspects from law enforcement and court records.

If 15-year-old Preston Lee Ruiz II has any kind of record in the system, due to it being a juvenile record, media and public would not be able to access it or view it or know about unless it  is mentioned in court or unsealed.

Until charges are filed, it is unknown if 15 year old Ruiz II will be charged with co-defendants in adult court.

HCSO released an update that the victim has died and HCSO is now seeking murder charges against all three suspects.

All three suspects are on no bail warrants.

Other local media who cover one random court case or court hearing with barely any original content daily, have multiple staff, a lot of money and resources, can pay lawyers; if they want to actually do some work in the field that is time consuming and report accurately; they can go down to the clerks and request paperwork or pay for records. Of course, it will be following yet another tip, original leg work done by me who looked into this arrest while also covering 20 -30 cases daily, new arrests and national news. Down time never exists for me. 

Yet, the good ole boys and gals in Humboldt including all local tribes with money, power and influence fund and invest where? 

There is a lot more to the death of this victim. If I know it, the tribe does and so does law enforcement. 

One arrested for desertion; another booked into jail for criminal threats, domestic battery, perjury, worker's comp fraud and fraudelent insurance claims

 

Efrain GonzalezVillalvazo was booked into jail yesterday on an arrest warrant for PC 422 criminal threats, PC 243 (e) (1) domestic battery,  PC550(b)(1) submitting fraudulent insurance claims, IC1871.4(a)(2) workers compensation insurance fraud, PC 118(a) perjury. Was released on O.R.

Antonio Everardo Fernanandezgutierrez was arrested by Fortuna PD early am today UST 10 SEC885 desertion.

DA charges Humboldt Deputy Clerk Annisha Harris with DUI from her July 2025 arrest by CHP

 

Usually, I do these posts at the time of arrest. At the time, the arrest was posted on the blog, I had to verify the last name. Months passed and then I waited until.charges were filed to make a point.

It takes months for the DA to file misdemeanor charges for a DUI. Often, the charges are filed by former Humboldt Deputy DA Shelly Small who is no longer a prosecutor who tries cases in Humboldt Superior Court. She just files these DUI complaints for the Humboldt County DA.

Annisha Tenee Harris aka Annisha Tenee Jordan, is a deputy clerk with Humboldt Superior Court who works for jury services. She was arrested on July 27, 2025 by CHP for DUI. Harris was booked and released on OR.

On 3/11/26, the DA filed a complaint charging  her with that one count. An  letter was sent to an Arcata address with an arraignment date of 5/6/26.  

The arrest is known to people at the Humboldt County Courthouse. 

Reader, you know who you are. Thank you.

 

Sometimes you just need a pick me up and after this week, it was really nice to hear from someone who contacted me about a homicide case three years ago and has followed me since. This is someone who grew up here, still visits but has moved, like several readers, to other places in California or other states. It was a very thoughtful email. Like many of my readers, this person reads me daily and multiple times a day.

I will share one line, "I am a daily reader (sometimes multiple times each day) as I'm Sure you already know given you're a sleuthy guy!"

Reader, you know who you are. Thank you. 

Utah media do a great job; I would have covered the Tyler Robinsin hearing today but thanks to CA criminals, I cannot

 

(Robinson)

(prosecution)

(Judge Graf)

CA criminals are keeping me very busy this week & today so I am not covering the Tyler Robinson hearing live. The Utah media do a great job. These photos are courtesy Laura Seitz Deseret News. ABC4Utah was also in the courtroom.

I have covered the Robinson case since the arrest and every court hearing live. Today's hearing and the next hearing currently scheduled for April 17 are arguments I have heard several times and the defense is wasting two hearings on media access and whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom. All this has been argued ad nauseaum at every hearing. 

The ruling I can check. The three day preliminary hearing currently scheduled in May is what is of interest to most readers and viewers.

I have identified the parties several times in all previous posts which are accessible through the search feature on the blog.

"Hi John. There is a very inflammatory statement by Holly Elbik's mother on rhbb. Ms. Hutson claims she reached out to me, I have no such record. May I give a response on your blog?"

 

(Rhamy and Ms. Andrea Sullivan, photo submitted to me for use on my blog only. Do not use without permission & credit)

I received this message a few minutes ago from Destinee Rhamy's attorney, Ms. Andrea Sullivan.

"Hi John. There is a very inflammatory statement by Holly Elbik's mother on rhbb. Ms. Hutson claims she reached out to me, I have no such record. May I give a response on your blog?"

"The majority of the jury agreed with the defense that Ms Rhamy was completely justified and excused from the killing of Holland Elbik.

Holland Elbik was likely psychotic at the time of her death. She was not receiving the support and treatment she needed.  My client had to step in after Miss Elbik brutally attacked my client's fiance by slashing at his throat with a broken ceramic mug over and over again. My client called 911 and desperately pleaded for help. She very likely saved her partner's life that day."

I did a post yesterday about the verdict in Destinee Rhamy's case. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/verdict-in-destinee-rhamy-case.html?m=1

Ryan Hutson never covered the Rhamy case or trial until yesterday. My post yesterday does address Ryan Hutson, her errors in other coverage, information about Elbik's mother and more. I also mention what other defense attorneys and people at Eureka City Hall have told me privately about RHBB and specifically Ryan Hutson. There are others who also spoke to me about Ryan Hutson but I did not mention them because I don't remember the specifics of every conversation months ago.

What Ms. Sullivan said, I covered in real time in court when Rhamy testified. Most readers have read that post and all my coverage. On yet another insane, busy day with more new work and still catching up on a week's worth of cases, others have to spend time on Ryan Hutson's irresponsible post that could affect a future trial and jury pool.  If you did not read yesterday's post; you should.

Sentenced to 12 years in prison for molesting his stepdaughter and he is already out on parole

 

Just a few minutes ago, as I am at the Courthouse, checking on today's cases and new arrests and updating other posts. I received an email from a reader. Predators being released on parole is making national news in California. This is a case I covered and these two screenshots are just two of several posts I did on Strange's case.

"Re: Humboldt Child molester Joshua Strange paroled. This child molester was paroled last year & living in point Richmond." The reader said he has a Linkedin account.

Nathan White arrested and booked for two rape charges and domestic violence

 

37 year old Nathan Charles White was arrested yesterday by Fortuna Police Department PC 261(a)(4) rape of an unconscious victim, PC 261(a)(2) rape by force or fear of bodily injury and PC 273.5(a) domestic violence.

White has a 2018 dui conviction which was set aside in 2025; three traffic convictions, two family law cases and one civil case in Humboldt Superior Court.

Third Hoopa suspect booked into custody last night

Third Hoopa suspect in March 10 incident, Tselin Q Lincoln was booked into custody last night on the Ramey warrant. The jail log shows 5 counts of PC 664/187 (a). Will wait for the HCSO press releas because the original press release also had these two charges : PC 182(a)-Conspiracy to commit a crime and PC 12022-Armed during the commission of a felony.

HCSO press release issued at 8:16 a.m. after this post just says, "On Mar. 12, 2026, at approximately 10:41 p.m., 19-year-old Tse-Lin Lincoln who was wanted in connection to the Hoopa Shooting that occurred on Mar. 10, 2026, turned himself into deputies at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. 

Lincoln was taken into custody on the arrest warrant and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility."

Update: On Mar. 13, 2026, the victim of the shooting in Hoopa succumbed to his injuries.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office will now be seeking charges of PC 187-Murder for all three suspects involved in this incident.