ARCATA, CA. – Sunday marked the one year anniversary of the death of 19-year-old David Josiah Lawson, a former Humboldt State University student.
He was killed April 15 of last year, and his stabbing death remains unsolved.
Following a series of vigils and protests, there is mounting pressure on the City of Arcata to show progress in the murder case.
Now, Josiah’s mother is taking action against the city.
Her local attorney, Shelly Mack, filed a claim on Friday with the City of Arcata – seeking at least half a million dollars, because of emotional distress from what she considers to be a ‘negligent’ police investigation.
On Monday, the city sent a response to new speculation over the investigation.
In a press release, the Arcata City Council said the city is still committed to solving Lawson’s case.
They add that they are concerned with the timing of former-FBI agent Tom Parker’s departure from the investigation, who was working pro-bono to help solve the case.
The city added they are worried statements made publicly by Parker could ‘endanger the investigation.’
They go on to explain there is still an active investigative team in place between the Arcata Police Department, and the District Attorney’s office.
Statement from the Arcata City Council: April 16, 2018
Most importantly, the City’s commitment to solving David Josiah Lawson’s case
has not waivered.
The City is concerned about how the timing of Tom Parker’s departure from the
case coincides with the filing of a claim by Attorney Shelley Mack and their
multiple interviews with the media.
Furthermore, the City is troubled that certain statements made by Mr. Parker publically could endanger the investigation.
The City appreciates the assistance received from Tom Parker. Further the City
agrees with Tom Parker that this case should and can be solved, which is why it
remains our highest priority.
There is an active and committed investigative team in place between the Arcata
Police Department and the investigators with the District Attorney’s Office.
Keeping this team in place provides the continuity and institutional case
knowledge required to bring the case to completion.
In November, Mr. Parker completed a review of the investigation.
The Council met with Mr. Parker in December who painted a picture of the investigation that is very contrary to his recent media commentary.
Over the last several months the City became concerned about potential disclosure of confidential case information. Breaches of his non-disclosure agreement would be damaging to a fragile investigation and as a result the City took steps to protect the integrity of the case.
This included withholding certain case strategy and information.
The City received a claim on Friday filed by local attorney Shelley Mack.
Such a claim is not uncommon to be filed in these types of cases to preserve the family’s
legal options.
This claim in addition to the previous claim from Kyle Zoellner further restricts the City from releasing information about the investigation or steps the City is taking to bring resolution.
The City understands that with the flurry of media comments and unproven
allegations being made there are lots of questions.
Many of these questions will be answered in due time, through case proceedings.
The events of this last week have not deterred the investigative team from their
ultimate purpose, which is to deliver a prosecutable case on behalf of David
Josiah Lawson.
