Mother of slain HSU student holds vigil, Litigation fund now established

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EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM)- A vigil was held Monday for Humboldt State University student David Josiah Lawson who was stabbed to death outside of a party.

A suspect was arrested the night of the murder, but a few weeks later charges were later dropped when a judge found there to be insufficient evidence for a trial.

Nearly three years later, Josiah’s mother, Charmaine, hasn’t stopped her fight for justice.

“Kyle Christopher Zoellner, let me tell you something you will never kill another person, I promise you that because I promise you Charmaine Lawson is not giving up until I get justice for my son,” Charmaine said.

Strong words from the mother of Josiah, to his alleged killer.

Her words, raw and emotional as she spoke to her supporters during a vigil held by the Justice for Josiah committee, as well as herself.

“My pain is deeper than anyone here,” she said fighting tears.

A large crowd gathered at the Humboldt County Courthouse steps holding signs in support of a new trial for Josiah.

Mike Fennel was a speaker at the vigil.

“I would like the district attorney to actually bring this case trial,” Fennel said. “Present the evidence, we have DNA evidence on the murder weapon that links Kyle Zoellner to Josiah Lawson.”

According to Andre Ramos, a Lawson family friend, there are no new updates to move the case forward.

“I’m here three years later, and I don’t have trust in the justice system, but I have to right, because I want justice for my son,” Charmaine said. “So I have to believe that something will change.”

That change are new witnesses.

“There’s always someone who knows what happened, and they can go forward and relay that information to the police department it would bring a close the case.”

Charmaine says her supporters are what keeps her going.

  “Never give up, because if we give up the person then the person that took my child’s life wins,” she said. “Them [supporters] being here means a lot to me and standing for justice and equality means a lot to me.”

“The District Attorney Maggy Fleming, she should be ashamed of herself because she is allowing a murderer to walk the street.”

A fund to pay legal fees for her lawsuit against the City of Arcata has been established.

Click here for more information, to donate to “Justice for Josiah” litigation assistance fund click here.  

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