Episode Summary
David Josiah Lawson headed off to college in Arcata, California with big dreams…only to be stabbed to death at a party off-campus. But a case that seemed straightforward when it began proves to be anything but…and years later, his mom is still fighting for justice.
Listen Now
For our friends in the Deaf and Signing community, you can view an ASL version of this episode HERE.
Episode Info
Anyone with knowledge about the murder of David Josiah Lawson is asked to call the Arcata Police Department’s confidential tip line at (707) 825-2590 or Dispatch at (707) 822-2424. There’s a $55,000 reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
To contact the Attorney General and ask that the office assume the prosecution of Josiah’s case, email [email protected] with the subject line “Justice for David Josiah Lawson” or send a letter to:
Office of the Attorney General
1300 “I” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
You can donate to the annual David Josiah Lawson Coat Drive here.
Visit Justice for David Josiah Lawson Facebook Page and the website, Justice for David Josiah Lawson, for case updates and more information on how you can get involved.
David Josiah Lawson
Kyle Zoellner
Satellite view of Spear Ave. cul-de-sac where party was held
Photo Source: Google Maps
Crime scene diagram made by Detective Eric Losey
Photo Source: Court records, Kyle Zoellner v. Eric Losey (previously City of Arcata)
The house at the end of the Spear Ave. cul-de-sac where the party was held
Photo Source: Google Maps
David Josiah Lawson
David Josiah with his mom, Charmaine
The knife found at the crime scene
David Josiah and his girlfriend, Ren
An injury Ren suffered during the party
An injury Ren suffered during the party
Lila Ortega in an unrelated booking photo
David Josiah Lawson in Humboldt County, CA
Episode Source Material
- Times-Standard: Mom of fatal stabbing victim worried suspect will be freed by Manny Araujo
- North Coast Journal: APD Seeks ‘Valuable’ Witness to Fatal Stabbing, Releases More Information by Thadeus Greenson
- North Coast News TV: HSU STUDENT STABBING: Friend of victim speaks out, believes Lawson was targeted based on the color of his skin
- Mad River Union: ‘It Should Not Have Happened’: Friend of Arcata Murder Victim Believes Racism Delayed the Emergency Medical Response That Could Have Saved His Life by Paul Mann
- North Coast News: Zoellner family statement
- North Coast Journal: Judge Dismisses Murder Charge in Slaying of HSU Student by Thadeus Greenson
- Lost Coast Outpost: ARCATA MURDER HEARING: Kyle Zoellner to Be Released After Judge Reinholtsen Rules Not Enough Evidence to Hold Him For Stabbing Death of Josiah Lawson by Rhonda Parker
- North Coast Journal: Missing Pieces: How a defense team’s gamble crumbled the case against Kyle Zoellner, and where it goes from here by Thadeus Greenson
- Mad River Union: Lawson case objections overwhelm Arcata council meeting: ‘no justice, no peace’ by Kevin L. Hoover
- North Coast News TV/ KRCR-TV: Police release statement on Lawson investigation Craigslist post
- Mad River Union: Another meeting melts down over Lawson case by Kevin L. Hoover
- North Coast Journal: Retired FBI Agent: Lawson’s Murder Can and Should Be Solved by Kimberly Wear & Thadeus Greenson
- North Coast Journal: UPDATE: Mother of Slain HSU Student Files Claim Against Arcata, Council Responds by Kimberly Wear
- KHSU: District Attorney Fleming Responds to Criticisms in Lawson Case
- Lost Coast Outpost: In Claim Against City of Arcata, Lawyer for Family of Slain Student Josiah Lawson Reveals New Evidence in Criminal Investigation by Rhonda Parker
- Lost Coast Outpost: Lawson Family Attorney Shelley Mack Responds by Rhonda Parker
- North Coast Journal: Rossbacher to Step Down at HSU by Kimberly Wear
- Times-Standard: David Josiah Lawson investigation nearly wrapped up, Arcata police chief says by Dan Squier
- North Coast Journal: Attorney: Zoellner Thanks Jurors, Hopes Police Will Seek ‘Truth’ in Lawson Investigation by Thadeus Greenson
- North Coast News: VIDEO: Juror in Lawson case speaks out, calls grand jury process ‘gross failure’ by Nazy Javid
- The Lumberjack: Jury swayed from murder charge by T. William Wallin
- North Coast Journal: Lawson Report: Lack of Training, Crime Scene Management Hindered Investigation by Kimberly Wear
- NBC News: Mother of slain Humboldt State University student Josiah Lawson continues fight for justice four years after he was stabbed to death at college party by Freddy Brewster
- North Coast Journal: APD Chief: Justice for Josiah Hinges on Witnesses by Kimberly Wear & Thadeus Greenson
- Investigation Discovery: Still a Mystery – The Party Murders (Season 2, Episode 1)
- KCET SoCal Connected: Who Killed Josiah? (Season 10, Episode 2)
- Reddit 4-16-2022
- Reddit 3-15-2021
Records & Reports
- Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report: A Community Divided
- Arcata Police Department Supplement to Charging Summary excerpt
- City of Arcata National Police Foundation Report & Arcata Police Department Updates
- Independent Review of the Police Response to the Homicide of David Josiah Lawson
- Lost Coast Outpost: Booking Records
- Request from DA Fleming to AG’s Office to assume responsibility in Lawson case
- Response from AG’s Office to DA Fleming regarding Lawson case
- Court records: Lawson v. City of Arcata et al
- Court records: Zoellner v. Losey (previously City of Arcata)
- The Lawson Case Blogpost:
Misc.