Cutten Resident Shot Dead In His Own Home

Girlfriend witnessed struggle, slaying; suspect at large

Humboldt Sentinel
12/4/08
By Sentinel Staff

CUTTEN -- An as-yet unidentified 27-year-old man was slain in front of his girlfriend in their residence last night, and the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office is searching for the assailant.

At about 9:15 p.m. last night, deputies responded to a call of a gunshot victim in a residence near the 5800 block of Walnut Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim on the floor of the residence with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital. Although he had already been taken into surgery when a Sheriff’s investigator responded to the hospital, the victim was pronounced dead at about 11:40 p.m.

According to the preliminary details released about the investigation so far, the victim and his girlfriend had been the residence when they heard a knock at the door. An unknown white male in his 20s wearing a black sweatshirt and black stocking cap entered the residence, armed with a handgun. The suspect attempted to restrain the male victim and a struggle ensued. Several shots were fired before the suspect fled the residence on foot.

Sheriff investigators, the Sheriff evidence technician, members of the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Department of Justice Crime Lab have been processing the scene throughout the night.

The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.

The suspect is at large and is described as a white male adult in his early to mid 20s, about 5’7” tall, thin build, armed with a small silver or gray handgun.

Anyone with information regarding this home invasion homicide should call detective Franco or sergeant Hanson at the HCSO at (707) 445-7251.