File photo.


The Humboldt County District Attorney’s office announced in court Wednesday the prosecution will not be seeking the death penalty in a case involving two teenagers accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old in Hoopa.

During a hearing to confirm one defendant’s attorney, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees said the People are “not going to be seeking death as a penalty,” in the case.

He said the office had discussed the matter with the victim’s mother.

Codefendants Tse-Lin Lincoln, 19, and William Randolph Billy Warren, 18, each previously pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges, and denied gang-related enhancements. They are being charged with murder for the death of Dylan Moon.

Previously, Warren’s attorney Rebecca Linkous called for the DA’s office to state on the record whether prosecutors would seek capital punishment during an appointment hearing. She cited concern the attorney appointed to Lincoln wouldn’t be qualified for a death penalty case. A different attorney was appointed to represent Lincoln.

Judge Steven Steward ordered the defendants to appear on April 28. Linkous said she did not anticipate being prepared on the date set for a preliminary hearing. Lincoln’s attorney, Andrea Sullivan, similarly pointed to the volume of discovery in the case as a concern.

PREVIOUSLY