Orick homicide victim, suspect identified

ORICK – Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says the victim in Thursday’s Orick homicide was 34-year-old Vernon James Weatherford and that he was acquainted with the suspect, Ronald Joshua Loureiro.
Loureiro allegedly stabbed Weatherford just after 11:00 Thursday morning in Orick near Drydens Road.
State Parks officers attempted to save Weatherford’s life but were unsuccessful. He was declared deceased on scene.
Loureiro fled but was taken into custody a few block away by a CHP officer.
Investigators tell News Channel 3 the victim and suspect were acquainted through a female witness, and this was not a random act of violence.
The Humboldt County Coroner will conduct an autopsy Saturday.