Last Night’s Assault Victim Succumbs to Injuries; Possible Homicide, Says EPD

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Medical personnel and law enforcement attempt to get the victim to the hospital in time. [Photo by Haida Bob.]

As reported last night, an elderly transient male was rushed to a local hospital as the result of what appeared to be an assault near the Humboldt County Courthouse before 8 p.m. Today, Captain Steve Watson of the Eureka Police Department confirmed the man died.

Watson also confirmed that the victim had been involved in an altercation with “one or more other persons” earlier last night but at this point, law enforcement is still investigating whether the altercation resulted in his death.  Witnesses are being interviewed and security tape watched.

The 63-year-old black male was taken to the hospital about 8 p.m. last night with “significant facial injuries,” said Watson. “He was unconscious.” Later, the man passed away, perhaps as a result of those injuries though the Eureka Police Department is still looking into the situation.

The incident is being investigated as a possible homicide though Watson stressed that the results of the investigation were not in. An autopsy would need to be completed and witnesses interviewed before a decision could be made on whether the incident was a homicide or not.

The Eureka Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation to call either (707) 441-4300 or (707) 441-4060.

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A member of the Eureka Police Department reviews security tape from the Courthouse Market. [Photo by Haida Bob]

Update 4:50 p.m.: Press Release from the Eureka Police Department:

Eureka Police DepartmentOn 09/08/2015, at about 8:08 PM, Eureka Police Department officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the Courthouse Market (905 Fourth Street) after a male caller reported he was just involved in a physical altercation with another male. The caller told dispatchers the victim, a 63-year-old Eureka resident, was lying on the ground unresponsive. A second caller also reported the victim had sustained a bleeding head wound.

Upon officers’ arrival, they found the victim lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding from the head and face. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition. Officers contacted the original caller at the scene along with a 16-year-old juvenile companion who may have also been involved in the incident. Additionally, an independent witness was located and interviewed.

The caller was subsequently arrested on an unrelated charge of public intoxication and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The juvenile was interviewed and released to a parent.

At approximately 12:45 AM, hospital staff advised EPD that the victim had succumbed to his injuries and died.

This incident is under active investigation as a possible homicide pending an autopsy to determine the nature and cause of death. The victim’s name is not being release by EPD at this time to allow time for notification of his next of kin.

Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department at 707-441-4060. Reference Case #3C15-6888

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12 Comments
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It's just bizness
Guest
It's just bizness
8 years ago

was this the fella usually seen around Old Town and along Broadway…sometimes appearing to be drunk?

glasses, frizzy grey hair?

local observer
Guest
local observer
8 years ago

This was Terry Thomas. He was robbed by a tweaker earlier in the day by force. The EPD never responded to the call which reported the robbery. The tweaker reached into his pockets and took all his cash.

Zoltan
Guest
Zoltan
8 years ago
Reply to  local observer

Just told by friend of his, robbed monthly. Not served by police, these events are raising pay and profiting for some, who are in charge, I imagine.

old town observer
Guest
old town observer
8 years ago

was this the fella usually seen around Old Town and along Broadway…sometimes appearing to be drunk?

glasses, frizzy grey hair?

ribeshot
Guest
ribeshot
8 years ago

not 100 but it sounds like him

local observer
Guest
local observer
8 years ago

yes

Zoltan
Guest
Zoltan
8 years ago

Hardcores helped him with his disability check, and hungry landlords,

pb
Guest
pb
8 years ago

whats the point of investgating when they just arrest and free them. no body in humbodt pays for their crimes.

nines
Guest
8 years ago

Oh, man. Heavy sigh. He’s in a better place now.

Logic
Guest
Logic
8 years ago
Reply to  nines

The morgue is a better place?

Zoltan
Guest
Zoltan
8 years ago
Reply to  Logic

Some are stressed till distonic, depressed milling on sidewalk, urinating on bushes. Holding it.

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