[Update 1:32 p.m. HCSO Describes Arrest, Altercation] Teen Arrested in Sunday’s Homicide in Arcata, Victim Identified

This is a press release from the Arcata Police Department.  The information has not been proven in a court of law and the individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Richard_Villa_DeanOn October 25, 2015 the Arcata Police Department began a homicide investigation into the stabbing death of an Arcata resident.

52-year-old Anthony Michael Pennucci was found outside of his apartment at Courtyard Circle, severely injured from multiple stab wounds. Mr. Pennucci later died at Mad River Hospital as a result of the stab wounds.

Today, 18-year-old Richard Villa Dean of Hoopa, was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on suspicion of murder. Mr. Dean was taken into custody in Hoopa yesterday evening on unrelated charges by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department.

Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said, “Our initial investigation shows no connection between Mr. Pennucci and Mr. Dean. We are continuing our investigation to determine a possible motive and locate the murder weapon.”

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Arcata Police Department at 822-2428.

Update 1:32 p.m.: This is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and the individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

IMG_4687On 10-27-2015 at about 1:45 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a request from Arcata Police Department Detectives to attempt to locate a subject named, Richard Villa Dean age 18, who resides at a residence located in the 300 block of Shoemaker Road, Hoopa. The Arcata Police Department Detectives were requesting the Humboldt County Sheriff’ Deputies to detain Dean for questioning in the homicide death of Anthony Pennucci on 10-25-2015.

When deputies arrived at the residence they saw Dean walking away from them. Deputies attempted to contact Dean, but he ran from their location towards Highway 96. Two deputies pursued Dean on foot as he ran through brush towards Highway 96. Another deputy drove his marked Sheriff’s Office pickup truck around the brush to Highway 96.

As the deputy drove his vehicle onto Highway 96 he saw Dean running next to a gravel road off Highway 96. The deputy yelled at Dean to stop, but he continued to run. From about 30 feet away Dean threw an approximately 6” x 8” rock at the Sheriff vehicle that struck the rear passenger door. The rock caused extensive damage to the vehicle.

The deputy excited his vehicle and was able to run and catch up to Dean. When the deputy got next to Dean, he attempted to strike the deputy with his closed fist. The deputy then placed Dean on the ground to gain control of the situation. While on the ground Dean kicked the deputy in the chest with his foot. After a brief struggle the deputy was able to place Dean’s hands behind his back in handcuffs. The deputy was not injured. The other two deputies then arrived at his location. Dean then made statement to the deputies that he was going to kill them and their families.

A short time later Detectives from the Arcata Police Department arrived on scene and took custody of Dean.( See APD press release).

Dean was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges related to this incident: Felony vandalism, resisting arrest and felony threating a peace officer with violence.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

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7 Comments
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Steve
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Steve
8 years ago

Good job deputies. You showed good restraint in taking the suspect into custody.

goose
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goose
8 years ago

“After a brief struggle the deputy was able to place Dean’s hands behind his back in handcuffs. The deputy was not injured. The other two deputies then arrived at his location. Dean then made statement to the deputies that he was going to kill them and their families.” REALLY? SERIOUSLY? Bye Buye!

Mogtx
Guest
8 years ago

So tragic that a man lost his life ,and young man’s life is prison probably for life if convicted again so tragic what the hell is going on

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wolf diamond
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wolf diamond
8 years ago

I lost a dear friend in Mike. He and I kept each other company many nights online, chatting and laughing. Mike was a peaceful man who’d help anyone in need. I cherish the short time we knew one another (8 months), and am glad we met and became friends. You’re truly missed, Mike! ☕💕💕

Sofuggit
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  wolf diamond

I don’t think a month goes by that I don’t think of him and scramble for a video to see him interacting with us all. I wish I could locate some kind of updates on the human excrement that took Mike and his kind soul away from his family, close friends and those who had the pleasure of spending endless hours with him online, laughing, sharing, gossiping, and just being friends.

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