Hernandez pleads not guilty to stabbing

Ramesis Hernandez pleaded not guilty last Friday to stabbing and firing three shots at an acquaintance in the 400 block of E. Hoover Street on Sept. 19.

Last week’s appearance in the Del Norte Superior Courtroom was Hernandez’s second appearance before Judge Robert Cochran. During the first appearance, Hernandez requested a public defender, with the intention that a plea could be entered once representation was secured.

However, on Oct. 1, two public defenders who had received the case stated they were unable to take it on due to conflicts of interest. Attorney James Fallman, who was in the courtroom, stated he could take the case and after talking briefly with Hernandez, a not guilty plea was entered.

A readiness hearing was scheduled for Oct. 4, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 9. Bail was also denied based on a previous no show by Hernandez.

“I have no trouble denying bail based on a previous failure to appear,” stated Cochran.

According to Chief Richard Griffin of the Crescent City Police Department, Hernandez had been arguing about an alleged theft with the victim, became angry and stabbed the other individual in the shoulder, then ran outside.

The victim followed Hernandez outside, and that is when Hernandez allegedly fired three gunshots in his direction, hitting some brush in front of him. Witnesses to the event corroborated the victim’s account of what occurred, according to Griffin.

Shortly after the alleged assault, Hernandez was found hiding in a residence in the 600 block of Macken Avenue, and with assistance from the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office and the Yurok Tribal Police, a perimeter was set up and Hernandez was captured while he tried to flee again.

Two knives were found on Hernandez during a search after the arrest.

Later that day, CCPD officers served a search warrant where the incident took place. Live handgun cartridges and spent casings consistent with the type of firearm allegedly used by Hernandez were located. However, the alleged firearm has not been recovered.

Charges include assault with a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon (non-firearm) on a person.