‘A Portrait of Pure Evil’: Chief Watson Says EPD Arrested a ‘Possible Serial Killer’
Eureka Police held a press conference yesterday to announce that they had solved several stabbings in the Eureka area including the fatal stabbing of May 20 of 84-year-old Roger “Mitch” Clark, a woman in Cooper Gulch, and a man on Holly Street.
EPD Chief Steve Watson said that what investigators had come to learn as they attempted get to the bottom of the stabbings “painted a portrait of pure evil.”
He described the EPD’s process that led to the arrest of Wesley Lee Starritt who he called “a possible serial killer.”
Wesley Starritt is the son of Waymond Starritt who was arrested in 2015 during what the EPD then called an “unpredictable and violent encounter.” Waymond Starritt was convicted of resisting arrest and having a concealed dagger.
In a chilling moment at yesterday’s press conference, Watson described Wesley Starritt’s reasons for the attacks. “It appears his motive in these crimes may have been simply to kill,” Watson said.
Below are photos of the press conference and below that are more details on the incident.
Press release from the Eureka Police:
June 3, 2020 Press Conference Eureka Police Department Homicide Investigation 20-003039 [Watch the video of the press conference by Mark McKenna here]
- On January 29th 2018, Wesley Lee Starritt (19 at the time) was arrested by the Eureka Police Department (EPD) for assault with a deadly weapon after he stabbed a 59-year- old male near the 2000 block of 3rd Street in Eureka. That investigation revealed that Starritt had walked up to the victim and began stabbing him without saying anything. The victim fought him off and chased after him, allowing officers to respond and locate Starritt. The assault was unprovoked and the two men did not know each other. The victim survived the assault and Starritt was convicted and served his sentence.
- On March 1st 2020, Starritt was released from Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles and returned to Eureka.
- On April 20th 2020, at about 1:20 a.m. a 43-year-old male was walking near the 1900 block of Holly Street in Eureka. That address is in the County and is the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). He was approached by another male who began stabbing him for no reason. The attack was unprovoked and only ended when the suspect’s knife broke, rendering it useless. The broken knife blade was left at the scene. That victim survived but was gravely wounded during the attack. The two men did not know each other. Any further questions about this incident should be forwarded to the HCSO.
- On May 13th 2020, at about 8:30 p.m., EPD responded to Cooper Gulch in Eureka for the report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found a 38-year-old female victim with multiple stab wounds. That investigation revealed a white male in his early twenties approached the female victim and assaulted her with a knife. The assault was unprovoked and only ended when the suspect’s knife broke, rendering it useless. The broken knife blade was left at the scene. The two did not know each other. The victim survived but was gravely wounded during the attack.
On May 20th 2020, at about 7:35 p.m., family members found 84-year-old RogerMitchell “Mitch” Clark deceased in his family home. EPD officers responded and it was immediately evident that Clark had been murdered. EPD had their entire Detective unit respond to begin investigating as well as several Crime Scene Technicians. The
Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office (HCDA) responded to consult with detectives as well. Investigators worked for almost 22 hours processing the crime scene. Clark had been stabbed with a knife and a broken blade was found at the scene of the crime.
- As the investigation unfolded there was no clear suspect, and the motive for the crime was not immediately apparent. EPD Criminal Investigation Detectives as well as EPD’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Detectives worked together following up on leads and contacting people who knew Clark. Detectives began following up on two stabbings that occurred recently in the county.
- On May 23rd 2020, an autopsy was performed on Clark, and the Medical Examiner confirmed it was a homicide.
- Detectives worked through the weekend trying to identify a suspect. Part of this process for investigators is to look at people who may have known the victim and wanted to do him harm. Detectives learned in fairly short order that Clark was almost universally beloved and respected by everyone that knew him. At the same time Detectives were also looking at motives for someone who did not know Clark, but may have committed the crime for another reason. This process is known as victimology.
- On May 26th 2020, at about 9:00 a.m., EPD Detectives and Evidence Technicians met with HCSO Detectives, the Deputy Coroner, a DA Investigator and the FBI. Details of Clark’s homicide were shared. Investigators also shared details of the other stabbings that had occurred in the community. During this meeting new investigative details were discovered.
At about 12:30 p.m., EPD Detectives became aware of video being shared on social media. The video depicted a white male adult walking up to the front door of a residence and trying the door handle. The male was carrying a knife in his right hand. Once he found the door locked he left. The residence was in close proximity to the Clark homicide.- EPD Detectives recognized and identified the male in the video as 22-year-old Wesley Lee Starritt. POP Detectives initiated an investigation on Starritt and developed probable cause to issue an arrest warrant. Their investigation had revealed that Starritt had been in possession of a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon. He had also possessed a knife, and had violated his probation.
- Based on the seriousness of the threat to public safety and the possibility there was more to Starritt’s involvement in other recent crimes, the EPD utilized two different investigative units to bring him swiftly into custody. The Humboldt County Drug Task
orce (DTF) was called in to conduct surveillance on Starritt’s Campton Drive residence. The EPD POP team began checking known locations attempting to locate him.
At about 7:50 p.m., EPD POP Detectives located Starritt in a vehicle being driven near Henderson and ‘S’ Street in Eureka. Starritt was taken into custody without incident. He was interviewed by EPD Detectives.- At about 10:20 p.m., a search warrant was served at Starritt’s Campton Drive residence.
Evidence from Clark’s homicide was found inside the residence.
- Shortly after midnight on May 27, 2020, Starritt was booked on the arrest warrant for felon in possession of a firearm and probation violation.
- Since Starritt’s arrest, EPD Detectives and Evidence Technicians have worked tirelessly building probable cause and prioritizing evidence processing to arrest Starritt for the murder of Clark.
- On June 2nd 2020, EPD Detectives had developed enough probable cause to arrest Starritt for Clark’s homicide. In addition, probable cause was developed to arrest Starritt
for the May 13, 2020 attempted homicide of the 38-year-old female victim from Cooper Gulch. He is being held at the HCCF on a 1.585-million-dollar bail.
- The Eureka Police Department would like the thank the following people and investigative units for their involvement with these investigations. Law enforcement is like a team sport in that we always rely on other people to solve a case of this magnitude. The teamwork demonstrated in these investigations brought an unknown criminal to light and most likely saved lives.
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department Detectives and Deputies
- Humboldt County Deputy Coroner
- Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office
- Humboldt County Drug Task Force
- Federal Bureau of Investigations
- All the citizens who phoned in with tips
Note: this post was updated with information about the suspect’s father.
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I’m thankful and relieved that such a person who was doing these horrifying stabbings to people. Saddening the loss of lives and attacks that will leave the survivors with trauma. Thank god he was found and arrested. To everyone who was attacked and the loss of loved ones. I pray for comfort, peace, god wrap his arms around you. God speed!!!! Xo
What becomes of serial killers? They can’t be rehabilitated.
Light sentences depending on the hard evidence.
Just another reason I own lethal means of protection.
This is were the people ” the district attorneys office ” needs to show judicial intolerance to violence and these horrific acts within the community. The Ford case,The Catholic Priest case are examples of were the D.A. had the inherent authority to make an example of these individuals in a death sentence to detour such horrific behavior ” acts ” within the community. God gave man a sword to Judge with and in the state of California this has Judicial Presidency… It’s Not Inhuman To Seek Justice In Such A Way As It’s Necessary To Preserve The Freedom ,Liberty,Peace And Tranquility That We All Have As A Constitution Guarantee Within Or Community…
Rt?? Why does he have any bail? Should have been given no bail & kept in prison on the 1st conviction for far longer!
Holy mackerel, this is crazy shit Batman. He was released after less than two years for attempted murder…totally psychotic murder at that. Was this because of Covid or just a weak sentence?
No. It’s called progressiveness. Welcome to California, where criminals are treated like victims and citizens are treated like criminals.
You mean like Trump is doing now 😒
You mean nothing?
Another reason to lock your doors and to stay aware… “Thats correct Holly!Boogymen are ReAl….same thing happened in Arcata….Fuvked up dude went door to door till FuD found an unlocked door and an unfortunate soul behind the unlocked door…
Thats bullshit. Im a progressive and am against the death penalty in 80% of the cases. But for someone like this guy, if he has done what he is accused of, trying to rehabilitate him is a waste of time and money. People who enjoy killing, serial killers like the zodiac or the Manson family, or any of those psychos, that’s where I draw the line.
And if you’ve got enough money, you get to walk away. Or simply don’t get charged like is going in in Washington right now with the insider trading issues. BOTH parties. This ain’t politics, this is real life, and dragging politics into it is simply weak minded. Another dog whistle for the true followers.
Insider trading is a helluva lot different than a serial killer. Liberals’ moral compasses are screwed up man.
I’m a liberal and I say ship him to a state that enforces the death penalty if Calif. isn’t strong enough to do it!!!!!
And good job EPD detectives, it’s very hard work that you have.
Kurt,
agreed.
Hope he’s locked up forever.
Two years for attempted murder?? The courts are kneeling to evil all day long.
This is really the most important factor here. Randomly walking up to and stabbing someone you don’t know should not see you released two years later.
Amen to that!!!!
Gavin Newsom is a good man.
Ring Camera solves the crime! Lock your doors and windows.
Still, have a dog and gun. Two things you can count on!
The greatest thing Ive ever heard you say “Guest” Damn girl i like that! Gun and a Dog beats a telephone any day…
Yep guest. My theory is own a good dog and a better gun.
Good job EPD, lets hope he gets more than 2 years this time. Right Judges?
or we could hope for swift justice at the hand of messing with the wrong person 😉
Justice is kicking in my door with a knife in your hand….
Wow you are such a tough guy with your keyboard. You’d probably shit your pants and drop your gun if someone came at you.
We need compassion for guys like this, especially in these trying times
Did the perp, get early release due go covid?
Good work catching this guy epd.
Condolences to the family.
Prayers for the victims.
In 1993 Waymond Starritt stabbed my friend, Ron Hayes and his dog to death on Ron’s porch. His wife, Connie, had to witness the event. They did not know each other. A small amount of drugs were found in Ron’s home. The cops and justice system called it “drug related.” Starrit was released after serving 4 years for assault.
I thought he only served 3 years for that crime. They made it sound like two drug dealers were fighting in an alley. Why is anyone surprised he raised his son in the same violent mindset?
His father had no part in raising that boy what so ever..i can’t stand it when people comment on shit they know nothing about…
I was on that jury. It was a horrendous crime…The jury deadlocked and he was re-tried. Had the jury convicted the father, the victim would be alive today.
Holy mackerel this is crazy shit if what you say is true. I believe you, it happens all the time.
That must have been horrific and the aftermath enraging
Artie, I was there when Ron was stabbed. I will not go into detail here. Please email me, I would like to chat. It has haunted me for nearly 30 years! And Now his son!!??!!
Maybe they should move the trial to a place where the DA works hard to prosecute and the judges are more honest. Then good police work would be rewarded with harsher sentences. Good luck if it stays in Humboldt. Aren’t all those judges who were cheating on their state billing still here? To much corruption to have any confidence.
Alf,
agreed,
nothing against the local ones but either that or they get a special prosecutor in, for
this perp.
The eureka pd did their job, now we need justice from the next step.
Good work EPD. Tragic story. Condolences to all the victims and their families.
Wow the EPD has really stepped up their game, the HCSO could really learn something. Have to wonder if Stephanie was one of this guys victims
There are many stories ive heard about a family of serial killers here in Humboldt. The mennonites supposedly made a deal with them to leave their community alone in exchange for silence. Or its the story mennonite parents tell their kids to scare them.
Curious if this guys from that family.
And hey all you dont own a gun folks, knives kill just as easily.
Stephanie was shot.
Who is Stephanie?
The Harrisons had a couple generations of killers
Kym, noticed that in both assaults, April 20 and May 13, “assault was unprovoked and only ended when the suspect’s knife broke, rendering it useless”. Is this a typo? Never having stabbed anyone I don’t really know if this is common (knife breaking).
Chief Watson also described the knife breaking in the video.
Thanks. Too many people online; internet speed too slow to watch now.
It is super common, and a reason why there is often perpetrator DNA present after knife attacks.
Wasn’t Mitch the owner of Bay West Supply? Anyone know?
Yes he was
Defense attornies will have a field day with this prejudicial coverage
In each incident it seems he stabbed “until the knife broke”.
This brings a couple thoughts to mind — beside the one that suggests his suppressed rage needs to be dealt with…
One is that he uses cheap knives.
Two is that he doesn’t actually know how to use them.
Neither of these observations should suggest that I find his actions acceptable. If anything, I am relieved that he only managed to kill one person this time around. $1.585 million is too low a bail.
My heart goes out to all those who are impacted by this man’s actions.
I read story if Lady stabbed in Cooper gulch was stabbed with a saw saw blade. Maybe wasn’t I guess
Thank you HCSO! You got one! Thank you for the good work.
Have to say though- one down and several more to go. When you run into suspected serial killers and violent kidnappers PLEASE dig around their properties. Search with a dog. Check raised and sunken places. Check the entire property and trails leading from it. PLEASE. We have more than this one. Too many people have disappeared.
Maybe he stabbed that person on Rio Dell bridge a couple years ago
Shawnee, Was thinking that. Be worth looking into. If 4 stabbings are what they caught him at, is there something they haven’t caught him at.
“I’m so thankful they caught him” the same ones who let him out lmao.
🕯🌳Was this guy a local?I mean did anyone know him before this?🌍🐸🖖🕊
If Hillary Clinton had been elected, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are in today.
She won the popular vote, but our system has architectural racism baked right into it, so what do we do?
Well, I’ll have to defer to a POC for that answer, but if Angelina Jolie was alive today, I bet she’d be adopting kids like nobody’s buisiness.
On thing we can couldn’t on is the inter web, and other equity based technologies to facilitate our dreams for a United planet.
At this point, it is unlikely that we will climb so high only to fall so low.
The wonders of technological innovation guarantee a future of leisure and vacation.
Volen-tourism will rise to become the number one industry worldwide.
No more, will families have to work three jobs at McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Jack In The Box just to make ends meet.
Now is no time to resist architectural racism, geo-tangential fraternities and parochial prenuptial patriarchy.
What? Angelina Jolie is alive.
I love your sarcasm, and totally agree. If Angelina were alive she absolutely would change the planet with her pure moral virtue.
Angelia Jolie is still alive. Hello you ok?
Kym there is a wrong photo in the caption of Mr. Clark. It appears to be Mr. Porter from the graffiti story.
The photo of the older man in a windbreaker is the one sent out by EPD and described as being Mr. Clark.
There are a number of lenient things occurring that allowed this to progress to where it is now. One of the things added to this is the fact that he was on probation. Was he being supervised by a probation officer at all? Home checks, drug testing, and basic supervision? Doesn’t seem so, he was running around willy-nilly and stabbing people with abandon.
This is great news!! I guess he’ll be off the streets- maybe even THREE years this time- so we can all relax. Our justice system sure is working swell, guys!
Remember this case the next time you read about the costs and “injustices” of imprisoning criminals. What are the costs and real injustices that result from turning them loose on our communities?
E,
agreed.
You know i was thinking about the great performance and results of the numerous law enforcement teams in bringing this creep into custody — effective and sincere with hands over hearts and genuine condolences ! ! !
It then struck me — these are largely desk officer personnel. So, with respect, but what happens to their heart and sense of decent humanity when they are out working the street — BRUTALIZING and murdering Blacks and other citizens — conducting themselves like ANTI-SOCIAL Pariahs ? ! ?
Respectfully
Just want to say, ..
Still searching for my brother ,…
Virgil, I strongly believe he’s up in heaven, …
I’ve been missing him soo’ with all my ❤️ n’ soul!!!
Still spiritually connected, hopin’ n’ prayin’ that the one(s), responsible for his disappearance, be brought to justice n’ convicted to the fullest extent of the law,..
Being very thankful for my faith n’ believing my brother is now in a better safer place than I ,also thanking God for his love n’ mercy, . .
If God didn’t have no mercy, then neither would I !!!
Oh and by the way, there is ” no” purity in evil,..
We don’t overcome evil with evil, we overcome evil with good, ..
God created both good n’ evil, cause if he didn’t create evil, then how would we know that there was good???
If convicted he deserves the death penalty. Never mind the Governor’s moratorium. Maybe the next one will sign his death warrant. Just consider the possibility of an armed citizenry could more effectively deal with perpetrators, rather than becoming their victims. Law enforcement cannot protect us. They’re mop up after the dirty deed is done.