McKinleyville DUI and Manila murder trials delayed

EUREKA – Two murder trials face more delays.
James Arthur Merrick is accused of murdering McKinleyville teenager Tessa Rae Gingrich. Investigators say Merrick struck the 16-year-old while he was allegedly driving under the influence the night of December 14th.
Thursday at the Humboldt County Courthouse, Merrick’s attorneys requested more time and Judge Herrick granted the delay. Merrick is still being detained on $1 million bail.
And the four defendants accused of murdering a 20-year-old last December will remain in jail as they await jury trial.
Cesar Valenzuela, Tamara Thomson, Brandon Mitchell and Catherine Fode are accused of luring Tyson Claros to Manila where Mitchell allegedly shot Claros multiple times.
Formerly co-defendants, Thomson and Valenzuela are being tried separately from Mitchell and Fode and Fode’s attorney entered a motion to sever her case from Mitchell’s
Court documents show that evidence is still coming in, and attorneys don’t expect to be ready for the original trial date of November 6th.
A hearing to determine when it can commence is set for November 16th.

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