Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On 12-01-2013, at approximately 10:10 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a man being assaulted with a bat in a residence in the 6100 block of Walnut Drive, Eureka. Deputies responded to the residence and were met by a citizen who said the suspect was being restrained in the rear of the residence. Deputies entered the residence and saw 47 year old male, later determined to be a neighbor, restraining the 30 year old male suspect. The suspect later was identified as Joshua Sherer, of Eureka. The victim and witnesses told deputies Sherer had broken into the residence. The neighbor told the deputies as they approached that Sherer was unconscious. Deputies checked the suspect and determined he was not breathing. The deputies summoned medical assistance and began life saving efforts. After medical personnel arrived deputies interviewed the people present.

A 46 year old male victim told the deputies he has been staying at the residence with his 38 year old girlfriend. Both he and the girlfriend heard a banging noise, a male yelling and the sound of glass breaking. Sherer had forced his way into the residence, along with another suspect, and then jumped on top of the victim, who was on a bed with his girlfriend and an infant. Sherer began beating the victim with his fists. Sherer pepper sprayed the victim during the fight. While they were fighting on the floor the second suspect attacked the victim with bat. That suspect was identified as “Sam” unknown last name. Sam began striking the victim on the head and body with the baseball bat. The 16 year old son of the 38 year old female came to the aid of the victim and began striking “Sam” who then fled the scene prior to law enforcements arrival.

The neighbor who lived on the property in a trailer told deputies he heard the commotion and came over to assist. The neighbor grabbed Sherer and restrained him until law enforcement arrived. Sherer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of death is unknown at this time an autopsy is being arranged by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. Detectives are actively investigating this crime. There have been no arrests at this time. The victim received injuries from the assault, and was treated and released from a local hospital.

“Sam” is described as a white male adult, 6’ tall, thin build, late twenties to early thirties, short dark hair.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

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

PREVIOUSLY: Man Dead After Dispute on Ridgewood