At the forum at Cal Poly Humboldt, Stacey Eads stated that they have only one more opportunity to bring the Josiah Lawson homicide case before a judge and that more evidence is needed to ensure that they are successful with that attempt. I assume this is a reference to the so-called “second dismissal rule”. My understanding of this is that it would only apply to the second dismissal of the case against the same defendant. As such, it seems that Stacey Ead’s statement is based on the presupposition that any future prosecution would be against Kyle Zoellner as he is the only suspect to have been charged for the homicide and had a case dismissed. 

My question is, if it is unclear whether sufficient evidence exists to show probable cause at a preliminary hearing, much less the proof beyond a reasonable doubt required to secure a conviction, how can you be certain that you are intending to pursue charges against the correct suspect? Continuing on that, can you discuss, generally, how you intend to approach charging decisions, particularly when the strength of evidence is in question?

— The Lawson Case

 

Are you a candidate? Log in here.

Recently

---

• APD: BARKING DOG COMPLAINT -- 100 Block of MYRTLE CT
  3:32 a.m.
• HCSO: Traffic Stop -- STATE HWY 255/VANCE AVE
  3:16 a.m.
• EPD: WELFARE CHECK -- 1100 Block of M ST
  2:15 a.m.
• EPD: DISTURBANCE VERBAL -- 1300 Block of THIRD ST
  2:11 a.m.
• FoPD: AUDIBLE ALARM -- 300 Block of 12TH ST
  2:02 a.m.
• EPD: 911 FROM A CELL PHONE -- 1000 Block of WOOD ST
  2:01 a.m.
• APD: VEHICLE INVESTIGATION -- 900 Block of 7TH ST
  1:48 a.m.

MORE →