Dikeman questions Gallegos' shooting response

DA challenger admits he's 'out of the loop' in Cheri Moore investigation

EUREKA -- Challenger Worth Dikeman accused District Attorney Paul Gallegos of delaying a decision on a recent police shooting for political reasons Thursday, but admitted he was “out of the loop” and unaware of where the investigation stood.

Dikeman said 40 days have passed since the shooting of Cheri Moore, leaving more than enough time for the district attorney to make a charging decision. He said his conclusion was based on past experience and media reports, including details of an April 27 press conference at which Police Chief David Douglas declared the shooting “legal and lawful.”

That signaled to him that the investigation was complete, Dikeman said during a press conference at his Second Street campaign headquarters.

However, he said, he was unsure of the specifics.

”What Paul has gotten or hasn't gotten, I don't know,” Dikeman said. “I'm out of the loop. I'm out of the office (running my campaign).”

Moore, 48, was shot in her apartment after a two-hour-plus standoff during which she brandished a flare gun and threw various items out of her downtown apartment window.

When asked whether he was aware Douglas made it clear that the information was based on verbal statements and the investigation was still in the preliminary stages, Dikeman replied: “If my interpretation was incorrect, my interpretation was incorrect.”

Gallegos said the District Attorney's Office was still waiting for information.

”We cannot and will not do a piecemeal investigation,” he said Thursday. “As of today's date we have not even received the coroner's report. We are informed that we will not have that for at least a week.”

Gallegos said when the investigation is complete a determination will be made on whether to present the case to the Humboldt County grand jury. He has already requested the coroner call an inquest.

The rarely used process is somewhat akin to a court hearing with evidence presented at a hearing and a jury rendering a non-binding verdict on the cause of death. The panel may also determine whether the shooting was justified. The finding has no bearing in the civil or criminal justice system.

Dikeman also called for Gallegos to turn any charging decisions over to the state Attorney General's Office, saying the district attorney politicized the situation by making an issue about law enforcement endorsements.

Dikeman has received the nod from all local law enforcement unions. Gallegos has said it is important for the District Attorney's Office to maintain its independence and not appear too closely aligned with law enforcement.

”Unfortunately, none of this has taken place in a vacuum,” Dikeman said. “The district attorney is running for office and I'm trying to unseat him.”

Gallegos said it was Dikeman and his campaign that were politicizing the shooting. Dikeman's campaign manager is a Eureka Police Department detective.

”Twice now we have heard that the investigation is done when it still isn't done,” Gallegos said. “Now, they want to remove our office because they are afraid they might get an independent review of their conduct.”

”Mr. Dikeman should be ashamed of himself. His conduct is a profound disservice to this community, this office, the Eureka Police Department, and his past service to this community as a deputy district attorney,” Gallegos said.

Dikeman said if the investigation is not complete, Gallegos could get the information faster and should be demanding results.

”I certainly would,” he said.