Contrary to Report, DA Sees 'No Legal Basis' to Appeal Kitchen Sentence

by Thadeus Greenson on September 24, 2018 at 1:54PM

Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming has no plans to challenge the eight-year prison sentence that Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum handed down to Marci Kitchen last week for the 2016 DUI crash that killed two teenage girls, including Kitchen's own daughter. In the last few days, you may have read a piece wildly opining about how the court and prosecutors "absolutely got it wrong" in determining Kitchen’s prison sentence and suggesting the district attorney’s office has grounds to appeal Kitchen’s sentence.

Multiple Vehicle Crash on 101 Near 299

by Kym Kemp on September 23, 2018 at 1:05PM

A multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of State Route 299 on U.S. Highway 101 about 12:08 p.m. caused major injuries today. According to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page, multiple vehicles were involved including a motorcycle and two cars.

Planning Commission Approves Mercer Fraser Asphalt Plant Near Big Lagoon

by Elaine Weinreb on September 22, 2018 at 10:39AM

, which was why they had applied for the project. The commissioners voted down the postponement 3-2, with Morris, Newman and Edmonds dissenting.

APD Re-Investigating Every Lead in Lawson Case, According to Memo

by Thadeus Greenson on September 21, 2018 at 2:20PM

The police response to Lawson’s slaying has come under fire from multiple sides, with scrutiny increasing after the lone suspect in the case — Kyle Zoellner — was released from custody after a judge determined there was insufficient evidence to hold him to stand trial. A retired FBI agent, Tom Parker, was brought in to consult on APD’s investigation but stepped away in April, publicly criticizing the department’s initial response and charging that officers had withheld information and lied to him during the consultation process.

North Coast Night LIghts: Fernbridge Beneath the Milky Way

by David Wilson on September 21, 2018 at 11:51AM

I photographed this image on Sept. 11, 2018. It was interesting watching the cars and trucks crossing to the left or right.

Coroner IDs Man Fatally Shot in Phillipsville

by Kimberly Wear on September 21, 2018 at 10:14AM

Another person who suffered head wounds has been determined to be a person of interest and is cooperating in the investigation, officials have reported. Read previous coverage of the shooting here.

UPDATE: Person of Interest Cooperating in Phillipsville Homicide Investigation

by Kym Kemp on September 20, 2018 at 5:02PM

PREVIOUSLY: At approximately 3:30 a.m., law enforcement received a report of a shooting in Phillipsville. According to a report over the scanner, the person believed to be the shooter allegedly surprised the man who was shot as he was stealing some items.

Let's Hear it for the Redwoods

by Kimberly Wear on September 19, 2018 at 11:19AM

“The goal of our project is to share the wonders of our national parks with as many people as we can, thereby ensuring their continued protection and enjoyment for generations to come,” the brothers write. “We plan to accomplish this goal through visually stunning short films, engaging online interactions, and breathtaking imagery.

'Grief and Despair'

After an outpouring of emotional victim impact statements, Marci Kitchen is sentenced to 8 years in prison

by Kimberly Wear on September 18, 2018 at 8:59PM

"Marci did not see anything in front of her vehicle when she struck Kiya and Faith. She recalls only a sudden loud bang and then saw that her windshield was cracked," the document states.

Kitchen Sentenced to Eight Years in DUI Manslaughter Case

by Kimberly Wear on September 18, 2018 at 3:47PM

Judge Kaleb Cockrum sentenced Marci Kitchen this afternoon to eight years in state prison for fatally hitting two teenage girls, including her daughter, while driving drunk on July 12, 2016, ending an emotionally charged case that has spanned more than two years. Cockrum  handed down the sentence at the conclusion an emotional hearing that spanned most of the day, with people on both sides of the case addressing the court with prepared statements.