Hoopa Valley Tribe Condemns Temporary Release of Juveniles Charged in Dylan Moon Killing, Says Victims’ Families Were Not Notified

Press release from the Hoopa Valley Tribe:

The Hoopa Valley Tribe strongly condemns the decision by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Wilson to temporarily release the juvenile suspects charged in the March 10, 2026 killing of Hoopa Tribal member Dylan Moon for ceremonial purposes.

This decision has caused profound pain and outrage throughout our community. Equally troubling is that the families of the victims were not notified in advance and instead learned of the release only after seeing the suspects present during ceremonial gatherings. No family should be forced to experience such unnecessary trauma.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe recognizes the importance of our ceremonies, traditions, and cultural practices. However, those sacred traditions should never come at the expense of the dignity, safety, or emotional well-being of victims’ families. Justice requires careful consideration of both the rights of the accused and the lasting harm suffered by those whose lives have been forever changed by violent crime.

The release of individuals accused of taking the life of one of our Tribal members undermines public confidence in the justice system and has created understandable fear, anger, and uncertainty throughout the Hoopa Valley and neighboring river communities. Decisions of this magnitude must also account for the safety of the public and the emotional impact on victims, witnesses, and families who continue to grieve.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe stands in unwavering support of Dylan Moon’s family and all those affected by this tragedy. We will continue to advocate for a justice system that honors victims, protects our communities, and recognizes the devastating consequences that these decisions have on Tribal families.

We respectfully call upon the Humboldt County Superior Court and all agencies involved to ensure that future decisions involving the release of individuals accused of violent crimes include meaningful consideration of community safety, transparency, and timely notification to victims and their families.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe remains committed to protecting our people, honoring the memory of Dylan Moon and all victims whose lives have been taken by violence, standing beside the families who continue to grieve, and pursuing justice with integrity, accountability, and unwavering respect for every member of our community affected by these tragic acts.

Earlier:

• [Update 9:23 p.m.] Breaking News: Shooting Near Hoopa Leaves One Critically Injured Tuesday Evening
• Hoopa Shooting Victim Flown Out for Treatment as District Schools Close
• Shooting Suspects Remain at Large, Limited Details Released by HCSO
• Hoopa Tribe Offers $10,000 Reward as Community Mobilizes Support Following Shooting
• Hoopa Valley Police Believe Suspects No Longer in the Area
• Warrants Issued for Three Teenage Suspects in Hoopa Shooting, Victim Remains in Critical Condition
• Hoopa Shooting Suspects Identified and One Arrested
• Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District to Reopen Tomorrow
• Second Hoopa Shooting Suspect Arrested; Third Remains at Large
• Third Suspect in Hoopa Shooting Turns Himself in to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
• Death of Hoopa Shooting Victim Friday Night Leads Investigators to Seek Murder Charges Against Three Suspects
• [UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Firearms Located, Says HCSO] Search Warrant Executed at Lincoln Family Property as Dylan Moon Murder Investigation Continues
• Warrant Served in Hoopa this Morning, Residents Report Heavy Law Enforcement Presence
• Gang Charges Filed Against Children as Young as 13 in Hoopa Murder Case
• Two Teens to Be Arraigned in Hoopa Murder Case
• Death Penalty Still on the Table in Hoopa Teen Murder Case; Pleas Delayed Until Afternoon
• Lincoln and Warren Plead ‘Not Guilty’ as DA Refuses to Rule Out Death Penalty in Dylan Moon Murder Case
• Death Penalty Off the Table in Dylan Moon Murder Case