Humboldt County Office of the District Attorney press release:
Today District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that Humboldt County Judge Christopher
Wilson accepted a guilty plea from 27-year-old Christian James Shepard of Rio Dell. The plea
agreement stipulates that Mr. Shepard will serve 25 years in state prison for committing eight
armed robberies in violation of Penal Code section 211, and one attempted armed robbery in
violation of Penal Code section 213(B)). Mr. Shepard also admitted to a sentencing
enhancement for discharging a firearm during the course of one of the robberies.
Between November 3, 2016 and November 18, 2016, Humboldt County was plagued by a series
of armed robberies occurring between McKinleyville and Garberville. Through investigation
spearheaded by Detective Ronald B. Harpham of the Eureka Police Department, it was
determined that a red Pontiac GS6 was being used as the get-away vehicle in the robberies. It
was also determined that Mr. Shepard was the owner of this same vehicle. On November 19,
2016, Rio Dell police officers attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop on Mr. Shepard as he
was driving the Pontiac, at which time Mr. Shepard fled from the police up Monument Road
into the mountains of Rio Dell. Ultimately, Mr. Shepard was later apprehended and taken into
custody by Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies.
Following his arrest Mr. Shepard’s red Pontiac was searched and officers located evidence
linking him to the robberies including clothing and multiple firearms. Additional evidence of
Mr. Shepard’s guilt was found by forensic experts on his cellular phone. The apprehension of
Mr. Shepard and investigation of these robberies was accomplished through assistance from a
number of local law enforcement agencies including the Humboldt County Sherriff’s Office and
the Rio Dell, Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and Ferndale Police Departments. Sentencing is
scheduled for February 27, 2017.
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