Orick homicide suspect enters not guilty plea

EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM) – An Orick homicide suspect enters a not guilty plea during arraignment on Wednesday.

30-year-old Ronald Lourerio Junior of Arcata is suspected of killing his ex-girlfriends new boyfriend on January 4.

Lourerio is suspected of using a knife to kill Vernon James Weatherford that day, in the front seat of a car in Orick.

The crime may have occurred in front of Lourerio’s three young sons, adding additional charges of child endangerment.

He remains in the Humboldt County Jail, and a trial-setting hearing is scheduled for August 16.