Press release from the District Attorney’s Office:
Today, Judge Christopher Wilson sentenced 59-year-old Mark Alan Dare of Humboldt Hill to the maximum term of 46 years to life in prison for sexually abusing children. The sentence follows from a trial in October 2020, in which a Humboldt County jury found Dare guilty of sexual abuse against multiple children between 2007-2012.
Following the trial, Dare’s court-appointed attorney Russ Clanton brought a motion for a new trial, claiming that his former attorney Marek Reavis provided inadequate assistance at trial. Judge Wilson denied the motion earlier this month.
During the sentencing hearing, survivors Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 addressed the court and spoke to the consequences of Dare’s crimes and his lack of remorse. They, along with the District Attorney’s Office, requested the maximum sentence for Dare.
The District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the tremendous strength shown by the survivors of Dare’s crime and their supporters. Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Whitney Timm stated that it was a privilege to see the courage and resilience they displayed throughout the lengthy proceedings. Their willingness to come forward has made our community safer and encouraged others speak out.
DDA Timm received assistance from District Attorney Investigator Steve Dunn, District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie and DDA Carolyn Schaffer.
PREVIOUSLY
- Local Man Arrested on Several Child Molestation Charges, Sheriff’s Office Says
- Jury Convicts 58-Year-Old Humboldt Hill Man of Multiple Sexual Offenses Against Minor Children
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Also today, Judge Lawrence Killoran sentenced Brandon Watson to 37 years to life in prison, the maximum allowable sentence, for the murder of Peter “Bo” Triantos, and for felony assault on Antony Bessellieu-Hill and Brian Edwards.
The case arose from two separate incidents in which Watson approached strangers at a bar, started a fight with them, and ultimately stabbed them; a Humboldt County jury found Watson guilty of the crimes on July 1, 2021. (See press release from July 2, 2021 for more information about the crimes HERE.)
The sentence includes: 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of Mr. Triantos, an additional 1 year for using a deadly weapon to commit the murder, and 11 years for the assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury to Mr. Bessellieu-Hill and Mr. Edwards.
Mr. Triantos’ parents, Pete Triantos and Mimi Chambers, addressed Judge Killoran prior to sentencing and read letters from additional family members. Mr. Bessellieu-Hill and Mr. Edwards were also present for the sentencing.
Under current California law, because he was convicted of murder, Mr. Watson will serve every day of his sentence.
PREVIOUSLY:
- Suspect in Arcata Stabbing Identified, Named
- Arcata Police Arrest Suspect in Thursday’s Stabbing Murder
- TODAY in COURT: Suspect in Arcata Plaza Stabbing Gets New Lawyer; Hearing Postponed for Woman Accused of Murdering Teen in Eureka Cemetery
- Eureka Man Accused of Stabbings Outside The Jam and The Pearl Will Stand Trial
- TODAY in COURT: Trial Date Set for Man Accused of Stabbing Another Outside Arcata Bar; Latest on Rancher’s Animal Cruelty Retrial, Eureka Attorney Accused of Trafficking
- TODAY in COURT: Eureka Attorney Scheduled for March Trial on Drug Trafficking Charges; Old Town, Rio Dell Murder Cases Move Forward
- Murder Trial Scheduled For Suspect in 2018 Arcata Bar Stabbing, Even Though Pandemic May End Up Delaying It
- Prosecutors Offer Plea Deal to Man Accused of 2018 Stabbing Murder Outside Arcata Bar
- Arcata Stabbing Suspect Will Head to Trial Next Week
- Arcata Man Found Guilty of Homicide Outside The Jam, Older Stabbing Incident Outside The Pearl