PREVIOUSLY:

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UPDATE, 8:50 p.m.: The Sheriff’s Office reports that the second suspect in the case — 17-year-old Joseph Marshall — has been arrested and booked into juvenile hall.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 25, 2026, at approximately 8:17 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting in the area of Big Hill Road and Marshall Lane in Hoopa.

Deputies responded to the area and located a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel responded and initiated lifesaving measures; however, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Next of kin notification has been completed. The victim has been identified as Leonard Zakary Vanwormer, 33, of Crescent City.

As the investigation progressed, detectives quickly identified two suspects. Investigators also determined that one of the suspects, Eric Marshall (DOB 09/19/2006), had an outstanding warrant related to a previous robbery.

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 10:43 a.m., patrol deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area located Eric Marshall at a residence in the 900 block of Tish Tang Road in Hoopa. Marshall was taken into custody without incident and subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on homicide and robbery charges.

Joseph Marshall.

The second suspect has been identified as 17-year-old juvenile Joseph Eugene Marshall, also known as Joseph Reed (DOB 03/07/2009). Joseph Marshall is currently wanted in connection with this homicide and is believed to be in the Hoopa Valley or surrounding communities.

Joseph Marshall is described as a Native male juvenile, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 157 pounds. Pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code section 827.6, a booking photograph of Joseph Marshall is attached to this release.

Joseph Marshall should be considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are urged not to approach or attempt to contact him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

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