Goldberg homicide trial delayed until next year, Lively murder trial set for November

EUREKA – A staffing shortage in the Public Defender’s office has pushed Jon Goldberg’s homicide trial to next year.
Goldberg is accused of murdering Fortuna Fire Captain Tim Smith almost one year ago on September 26th.
Investigators say the Bridgeville resident traveled to a home on Rohnerville road in Fortuna where the two men briefly argued over an alleged affair between Smith and Rachel Goldberg. According to Fortuna Police, Jon Goldberg fired multiple shots from point blank range, killing Smith.
Goldberg appeared in court Wednesday morning for what was scheduled as a trial confirmation. Public Defender Casey Russo said that low staffing in his office left him little time to prepare for the jury trial October 2nd.
The Public Defender’s Office usually employs six or seven attorneys but is currently operating with only three. Visiting Judge Marjorie Carter granted a continuance and the jury trial is now set for February 5th.
Another accused murderer, Eric Lively appeared in court Wednesday morning.
Humboldt County Sheriff’s investigators found that Lively intentionally struck 42-year-old Jesse Earl Simpson with his car on May 3rd. Simpson later died from those injuries.
Visiting Judge Terrence Boren confirmed a jury trial date for November 6th. Lively is represented by private counsel.