From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On 06-24-2012, approximately 3:00 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Fortuna Police were dispatched to a fight in progress involving numerous people in front of 591 Cannibal Island Road, Loleta. The Humboldt County Sheriff Dispatch center received a call from a hysterical female at that address stating that several people had been stabbed. Medical personnel were also dispatched to the scene.
When deputies arrived they found victims on the ground in various locations around the residence with several screaming for help. At least one victim was inside the residence with serious stab wound injuries. Several people were still fighting and deputies were breaking up fights while trying to attend to victims. Deputies learned that at least thirty people had been involved in the fight and many more had attended the party. The party had been posted on Facebook, and was initially just family members and friends, but quickly grew. Alcoholic beverages were being consumed at the party. At least thirty people were determined to be involved in a physical fight at one point, with many fights breaking off into smaller groups. While the fights were occurring at least two or three people brought out knives and began stabbing people indiscriminately.
At least five people treated at the scene were treated for stab wounds. There is believed to be at least two more victims that have been stabbed, possibly more. All five stabbing victims were treated and released from local hospitals. Some received numerous stab wounds to various parts of their bodies.
Two of the stabbers were taken into custody, more arrests are possible. Those suspects arrested are identified as:
Kurtis Shane Day, 20 years old from Rio Dell arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. Bail set at $50,000.00
Aaron Storm Eubanks, 19 years old from Fortuna for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder, bail set at $500,000.00
Both were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The Sheriffs Office is NOT releasing booking photos of the suspects because detectives are still interviewing witnesses and victims who are being used to assist with identification of suspects.
A Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff received a five inch laceration to his arm when he tackled Eubanks who tried to run from the deputy while taking him into custody. It is unknown how the deputy was injured. The deputy was treated and released.
Detectives are assigned to this investigation which is still ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding this case. Detective Sergeant Diana Freese is the lead investigator and she can be reached at 707-268-3639 or messages can be left at the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.