Accused murderer Austin Michael Medeiros attacked a correctional officer in the Humboldt County jail Wednesday with an "improvised weapon," the Sheriff's Office announced today.

Medeiros, 27, of Rhode Island, was arrested April 10 in Santa Cruz while allegedly in possession of 30 grams of psychedelic mushrooms and trying to steal a boat about a week after being identified as a suspect in the murder of a 28-year-old woman in Kneeland. On April 2, Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the 4700 block of Greenwood Heights Drive by a caregiver who reported finding Emily Rose May Lobba dead in her residence. Medeiros, the caregiver said, tried to keep her from entering Lobba's residence then fled the scene in the dead woman's car, spurring a manhunt that eventually led to his arrest in Santa Cruz.

According to the Sheriff's Office press release, a correctional officer was conducting an inmate count at about 6:10 p.m. yesterday within the jail's maximum security housing unit when the assault took place, leaving the officer with minor injuries.

Already facing a murder charge, Medeiros has now also been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, possessions of a weapon in prison and battery on a custodial officer stemming from yesterday's alleged assault.


Read the full press release copied below:

Correctional deputy injured in jail assault

A correctional deputy was injured Wednesday during an assault inside the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

On April 27, 2022, at about 6:10 p.m., a correctional deputy conducting an inmate count within the facility’s maximum security housing unit was assaulted by 27-year-old inmate Austin Michael Medeiros. Medeiros reportedly attacked the correctional deputy with an improvised weapon. The deputy sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault.

Medeiros is currently being held inside the correctional facility on charges of murder (PC 187(a)), assault (PC 240), battery (PC 242), fleeing a peace officer (VC 2800.4) and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)). As a result of this incident, Medeiros was booked on additional charges of attempted murder (PC 664/187(a)), assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (PC 245(a)(1)), possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner (PC 4502(a)), manufacturing a weapon in prison (PC 4502(b)), battery on a custodial officer (PC 243.1) and resisting a peace officer (PC 69).

The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to creating a safe environment for both correctional staff and inmates within our Correctional Facility, and this incident remains under investigation.