Verdicts in Two Jury Trials

Press release provided by the Humboldt District Attorney’s Office.

On May 5, 2015 two juries returned verdicts in two separate trials.

A jury found Christian John Kay not guilty of felonious assault but guilty of two counts of misdemeanor assault and discharge of a “BB device” with gross negligence related to his firing a pellet rifle with telescopic sight at four Eureka High freshmen on November 7, 2013. One of the victims required medical treatment to remove a pellet from his chest. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jackie Pizzo. Sentencing will occur on May 29, 2015 with Superior Court Judge T. Cissna presiding. The defendant is facing a maximum of 1 year and 6 months in county jail and restriction of his gun rights for 10 years.

In People vs. Margaret Ellen Corey, the jury found the defendant guilty of misdemeanor vandalism. The case stemmed from her conduct on June 9, 2014, when she “keyed” another Humboldt County citizen’s car after an argument in a local pawn shop. The vandalism was caught on video surveillance. The case was tried by Deputy District Attorney Trenton Timm. Ms. Corey is scheduled to return to court on May 7 for sentencing by Superior Court Judge Reinholtsen. She is facing a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail, a fine up to $10,000, and payment of restitution to the victim.