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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 10, 2026, Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Problem Oriented Policing (P.O.P.) Team, with the assistance of the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, served a search warrant near the 500 block of Silva Ave in Eureka Ca. This was a part of a month-long investigation into a drug residence which began after receiving numerous community complaints regarding suspicious drug activity.  

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies located 8 individuals inside the residence. As a result of this investigation, it was determined that all 8 subjects were in violation of a litany of drug-related charges. The following people were arrested:

• Tessa Bennett, age 47 of Eureka. Booked on multiple misdemeanor warrants and H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence.
• Renee Norman, age 42 of Eureka. Booked on H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence.
• Liesel Norman, age 41 of Eureka. Booked on H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence and PC 1203.3, formal probation violation.
• Marcie Harris, age 56 of Eureka. Booked on H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence.
• Jonathan David, age 51 of Eureka. Booked H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence.
• Jeffrey Thomsen, age 47 of Eureka. Booked on felony warrant and H&S 11365(a), visiting a drug residence.
• Aaron Nelson, age 63 of Eureka. Booked on H&S 11378, possession of methamphetamine for sales and H&S 11366, maintaining a drug residence.
• Kerry Duggan, age 61 of Eureka. Booked on H&S 11366, maintaining a drug residence.

During the service of the search warrant, deputies seized approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, scales, and a large quantity of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On June 11, 2026, at approximately 4:20 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the 2100 block of Williams Street for a report of a vehicle collision into a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located the driver and one passenger of the involved vehicle. Officers learned there had been a second passenger in the vehicle; however, that individual fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

During the investigation, officers determined the driver, identified as 24-year-old Leiada Masten of Anderson, was displaying objective signs of alcohol intoxication. The passenger who remained at the scene sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Based on the investigation, Masten was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of felony driving under the influence causing injury and felony driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater causing injury.

The Eureka Police Department reminds motorists that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated. Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death to drivers, passengers, and the public. Always plan ahead for a safe ride home and never get behind the wheel while impaired.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 10, 2026, at approximately 10:07 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies and Blue Lake Tribal Police officers responded to a reported robbery in progress at the Patriot Gas Station, located in the 200 block of Blue Lake Boulevard.

While deputies were en route, dispatch advised that a male juvenile suspect had stolen a bottle of alcohol from the business and fled on foot. During the incident, the suspect reportedly deployed pepper spray and brandished a knife at a store employee who attempted to confront him as he fled.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the reporting party and reviewed the store’s video surveillance footage. Additional deputies and Blue Lake Tribal Police officers conducted a search of the surrounding area for the suspect.

A Blue Lake Tribal Police officer subsequently located a subject matching the suspect’s description near Blue Lake City Hall and detained him without incident.

Based on the initial investigation, witness statements, and evidence collected at the scene, a 15-year-old male juvenile was arrested. The juvenile was transported to Humboldt County Juvenile Hall, where he was booked on the charge of PC 211.

Anyone with information regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

With profound love and spiritual reverence, we share the physical transition of our beloved Jared, who on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 in Eureka, peacefully graduated to Zion after a year of bravely battling the most aggressive and unyielding cancer. He was surrounded by his mother, father, and children. He had just celebrated his 49th birthday.

Jared Wilkinson Pabalate was born on Tuesday, March 15th, 1977 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Army Chief Warrant Officer Melencio Reyes Pabalate and Lynne Marie Pabalate nee Wilkinson. His earthly journey meandered him through Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alabama, Texas, Germany & the Continent, the Americas, Oregon, California… from his first breath, Jared was a big personality who loved life out loud, one meaningful moment at a time. No matter the city, state, or country, he lived his truth of One Love, steadfast in his beliefs and accepting of yours, seeking connection without judgment. When Jared loved you, you were loved.

After 22 years of active-duty military service, Melencio retired and the family moved back stateside from Wiesbaden, Germany to Eureka, where Jared attended Eureka High School, continuing his success in soccer-basketball-tennis. He graduated in 1995 and played soccer for Humboldt State University. He lived in San Francisco with his three boys and in 2009 moved back to Eureka where he welcomed his daughter. He worked at Cher-Ae Heights Casino as a dealer and entrepreneured a successful lawn-care service for many years. Most recently, Jared worked as a social worker, and at Beau Pre & Eureka Municipal Golf Courses.

Jared experienced much joy in his life: playing soccer for the Bundesliga in Germany, boogie-boarding at North Shore (our go-to beach in Hawaii), traveling the Americas & Europe, taking trips with his kids…making a Hole- In-One at Eureka Muni! His happiest place was with family and the most magnificent milestones Jared manifested are the births of his children. They dazzled him daily. Jared’s kids are his immortality & most revered blessings in life: his devotion to family & hope for a better country is exemplified through Kamica’s (Rasta) military service & moving home to help care for his dad. His athletic acumen & quest for knowledge bounces back within his mini-me Rizalito’s prowess on court-field & in Lito’s spiritual depth. His reverence for family & curious spirit now travels ever onward with Melencio exploring our world, carrying forward his dad’s passion for new discoveries. His appreciation for our world’s beauty & the power of words is abundant in Eva Inez’s eye toward the artistic & the scribed.His maternal grandfather, WWII Seabee & big-crane operator Frederick Douglas Wilkinson III (‘Pops’), saw his athleticism as soon as he toddled and dubbed Jared, “Dr. J.” after Julius Erving. Always the naturally gifted athlete, he excelled in any sport he thought about, and especially loved juggling the soccer ball with his four kids ~ practicing full body-hand-I coordination while listening to reggae music.

The moments playing golf* with his first soccer coach, his dad, Melencio, invigorated Jay. The bond of father & son deepened into friendship on those fairways. Jared set his mind to get down to a single-digit handicap and when he achieved this, their excitement was tangible. As cancer ravaged him off the links, he would encourage his dad to continue playing and looked forward to hearing about the antics of their golfing buddies. Together with his dad & mom, Jay created a nurturing and safe space for his kids & their friends to expand and explore the world. And in this increasingly loud world, Jay treasured the quiet moments he shared with his mom, Lynne, watching their morning & evening gameshows … a tradition evoking watching The Price, Jeopardy, & The Wheel with his Pops & maternal grandmother, Georgia Marie Wilkinson nee Shenk, an avid softball-volleyball player & pharmacy tech. Lynne knows she will see her son again in Paradise, where he is embracing his maternal Uncle Doug (Frederick Douglas Wilkinson IV).

This year his older sister Angela joined in the game show fun. She will forever treasure their razzing texts and messages. She remembers when instead of a pony, another little human was presented to her, her kid brother who’d one day chaperone her dates. She’d give anything for him to annoy her into letting him use her tennis racquets and to rally with him. That he cherished her racquets, kept them throughout the years, and gifted them to his kids to play with is … peak Jared. She now holds more dearly their time living together in 90s LA whilst booking modeling gigs, together & individually, and enjoying Hollywood’s live music scene.

Jay was a fun-loving uncle to his older brother Joshua and sister-in-law Jenna’s (nee Duplessie) kids. His niece Abri and nephew Christian absolutely adored playing with him. Christian would often remark that he didn’t want to go to whichever global destination being considered for holiday … he wanted to go to California to see Uncle Jared! Josh remembers Jay as a loving and loyal brother growing up. “It gave me great boldness and confidence going into new situations with him by my side.”

Jay was always supportive of his youngest brother, Justin, and brother-in-law Nick Bernier. One of their favorite memories was being surprised by Jared and his kids when they were unexpectedly able to make it to their wedding. Justin would lovingly refer toJay as his “youngest brother” as Jared was the youngest of his older siblings. They will miss his random texts sending them love and wishing his brothers well. Another cherished memory was when the family lived in Killeen, Texas in the early ‘80s when Jay had made a point to surprise Justin with a maze for his birthday that he had to traverse blindfolded in order to find his birthday presents. It is one of Justin’s most coveted memories to this day.

Jared is preceded by and reunited with his paternal Lolo Benedicto Pabalate (Bataan Death March survivor) & card-shark Lola Virginia Pabalate nee Reyes (WWII internment camp survivor), his Aunt Suzanne Pabalate, his maternal grandparents Pops & Gramma Wilkinson, and his Uncle Doug Wilkinson. Jay is survived by his aunt Carol Linden & cousin Amy Linden, aunt Bennie Gemello, cousin JP Denison & family, cousin Lisa Marie Gemello, uncle Dan & aunt Kathy Pabalate, cousin Jonathan & Amy Pabalate, cousin David & Krista Pabalate family, aunt Elaine Ostertag, cousin Kyle & Esmeralda Ostertag, cousin Ryan Ostertag & family, uncle Paul Ostertag, uncle Ed & Cathy Pabalate family, cousin Wesley & Jeri Paup family, cousin Barb & Rich Newell family, brother-in-law Derek Duplessie. Jay is remembered by Nayeli Hamanaka & family, by Mark Waterman & family (we miss you April), and by his best friend Keon & family who stood by & grew with him throughout their friendship. As a collective family, we lift our beloved up.

Grief doesn’t get smaller; we get bigger. We are bigger for knowing Jared Wilkinson Pabalate. Our lives are better for loving Jay and for being embraced by his big hugs of love. Blessed love and One Love, until we meet again.

“It’s the Rastamans philosophy not to mourn over one’s death…his work which he has been doing for this period of time…he had reached a dimension of accomplishment. And it’s for us who still have the work to do.” ~ Peter Tosh

There will be a Celebration of Life Open House: 1-4 pm Sunday, June 28th, 2026 at: 1624 17th Street Eureka CA 95501. Please bring happy Jay memories to share, and your dancing-feet as we may break-out into spontaneous dancing … just the way Jay would’ve grooved. In lieu of flowers, there will be considerations for his children. For details, please message: 213-631-6002.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jared Pabalate’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Gary Robert Cox
June 20, 1941- April 15, 2026

Gary was born and raised in upstate New York where he graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in photography. He made his way to California in the 1960s. First to Big Sur, then Bodega Bay and eventually to Whale Gulch where he found the space to discover and grow into his most authentic self. Gary was a homesteader through and through.

Gary was a photographer by training, an artist at heart, a well driller and heavy machine operator by trade, and always a gardener. He loved compost, horse manure, and organic vegetable gardening above all else, earning him the CB handle “Farmer’s Garden” back in the days before everyone transitioned to phones. In seasons when the garden produced more than his family could use, he shared the abundance with the local school.

He was deeply passionate about black-and-white photography. Trips to the Southwest, to photograph petroglyphs, Pyramid Lake, expansive landscapes and anything that caught his eye, would culminate in hours that turned into days in his darkroom. The darkroom was his quiet place where carefully transformed light and shadow into images. Many of these are treasured by his family today.

A resident of Whale Gulch since 1974, Gary built his own home and lived life on his own terms. His love for the community was felt by many. He especially loved sharing his passion for gardening and homesteading with young people, a tradition he continued with his grandchildren and other youth in the community.

Gary is survived by his partner, Karen Trotter; his children, South, Olin and Yana; and a gaggle of grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Please join us for an end of life celebration on July 11 at 1 p.m. in The Meadow. Please bring a dish to share, a memory of Gary and leave with a photograph.

PREVIOUSLY:

• ELECTION NIGHT FINAL: Despite a (Probably) Large Number of Votes Left to Count, Mary Burke and Audrey Hanks are Certain Shoo-Ins
• ELECTIONS OFFICE UPDATE: There Are Still More Than 21,000 Ballots Left to be Processed; Updates to be Issued Twice Weekly

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The Humboldt County Office of Elections just published an update on how the tabulation of the June 2 election is going, and the answer seems to be: Pretty good!

The vast bulk of the county’s uncounted ballots have been counted, and as of right now there are only some 1,439 votes left to be processed. More than 39,000 votes have been tabulated.

What do the new results show? That Fifth District Supervisor Candidate Mary Burke and Assessor candidate Audrey Hanks have opened up even wider leads against their competitors. 

Burke now holds 77.09% of votes counted — up from about 73.5% on election night — and Hanks has an even 79.00%, a little bit up from the 77.0% she held a week ago.

In the governor’s race, Tom Steyer continues to hold the plurality of the Humboldt vote — 31.91% — in his doomed campaign.

The two local ballot measures up for vote in this go-around — a Shelter Cove parcel tax and Trinidad school bonds — are both passing easily, with 75.21% and 66.25% of the vote, respectively. The Shelter Cove taxes need a two-thirds vote to pass, and the Trinidad school bonds need 55%. 

Full results here. Another update is scheduled for Friday, but with so few votes left to count don’t expect much to move.

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Today, while attorneys met to establish a date for a preliminary hearing on two Hoopa teenagers accused of murdering a 17-year-old, proceedings were pushed to next week.

This followed defense attorneys pointing to missing discovery, and a motion seeking evidence the District Attorney has on the case to be compelled from the office.

Rebecca Linkous, attorney for 18-year-old William Randolph-Billy Warren, filed a motion to compel discovery last week. At the hearing this morning she said the motion was related to “significant discovery” that was missing, adding she needs to know whether or not it exists.

The setting of the date of the preliminary hearing was moved to June 16, when the motion to compel discovery is set to be discussed.

Attorneys sought to resolve the matter ahead of setting the date of the preliminary hearing, which aims to determine if sufficient probable cause exists to bring the case against the pair to trial. When Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Steven Steward asked if a four day estimate for the preliminary hearing was still accurate, attorneys were in agreement with the timeline.

However, attorney Andrea Sullivan, who represents 19-year-old co-defendant Tse-Lin Lincoln, added over Zoom that evidence related to gang allegations could add length to the preliminary hearing. The state of discovery is such that she doesn’t know how this will affect the timeline of the hearing, she said.

The co-defendants appeared in custody, wearing orange jumpsuits. They face murder charges related to the March 10 shooting, as well as four counts of assault with firearms against five total victims and shooting at an occupied vehicle. They additionally face multiple enhancements to these charges for participation in a criminal street gang, meaning additional jail time if convicted. The victim, Dylan Moon, later died of injuries sustained in the shooting.

Previously, hearings have been pushed out due to a large volume of evidence. Three other teenagers under the age of 18 were arrested in connection with the shooting.

PREVIOUSLY:

Woman accused of murdering toddler arrives in Humboldt County, pleaded not guilty

Yesterday, a woman accused of murdering her 19-month-old daughter pleaded not guilty to all charges and enhancements levied against her, according to court records. She was brought to Humboldt County last week.

32-year-old Nichole Thorpe was charged April 7 with murder, felony child abuse (with an enhancement for the child’s age) and welfare fraud tied to the child totaling $18,636.30. According to court records, she is accused of fraudulently collecting welfare for the dead 19-month-old for two years.

She was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility June 5, according to booking records (a development first reported by Kym Kemp) after being arrested in Indiana in April. She is being held without bail, court records indicate.

According to jail records, Thorpe had been incarcerated at a Jay County, Ind. jail since her arrest on April 29, following a lengthy investigation by Humboldt County police and issuance of an arrest warrant. She was listed as a resident of Albany, Ind.

Booking photo via Redkey Indiana Police Department

The Eureka Police Department said police were contacted and told the child had not been seen by family members for an extended period of time and it was believed the child was possibly deceased.

Police from multiple agencies found human remains in a remote area near Blue Lake in Dec. 2023, confirmed through DNA testing as belonging to the child, according to EPD.

Thorpe’s preliminary trial setting date was scheduled for September 10, according to the hearing’s minutes. She is represented by Kathleen Bryson.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Woman Charged with Homicide for Child’s Death After Remains Found in Blue Lake