Janice Lozano
Humboldt State University has reported several incidents of student deaths and safety-related incidents. In 2014, two alumni and an admissions counsellor died in a bus accident, and in 2019, the university reported 102 safety-related incidents involving students on or near campus. Additionally, in 2017, a 19-year-old Humboldt State University student, David Josiah Lawson, was stabbed to death in an attack that was described by witnesses as racially motivated. While the circumstances surrounding student deaths and safety at the university are complex, it is important to consider factors such as campus safety, law enforcement, and the well-being of the university community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Humboldt State University students murdered | 1 |
| Name of murdered student | David Josiah Lawson |
| Age of murdered student | 19 |
| Date of death | April 15 |
| Cause of death | Stabbing |
| Number of arrests | 1 |
| Number of convictions | 0 |
| Number of safety-related incidents in 2019 | 102 |
| Number of safety-related incidents in residence halls in 2019 | 92 |
| Number of Humboldt State University students | 7,180 |
| Number of incidents per 1,000 students | 14.21 |
| Number of incidents per 1,000 students in residence halls | 12.81 |
| Number of victims in the April 10, 2014 I-5 Charter Bus Accident | 9 |
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What You'll Learn
- David Josiah Lawson, a Humboldt State University student, was stabbed to death
- Humboldt State University reported 102 safety-related incidents in 2019
- The university has a separate category for 'violence against women'
- Three students were hospitalised after the I-5 bus crash in 2014
- Humboldt County has a list of unsolved homicide cases
David Josiah Lawson, a Humboldt State University student, was stabbed to death
Witnesses described the attack as racially motivated. Lawson and his friends were falsely accused of stealing a cellphone, which was later found. During the altercation, Lawson was blinded by mace before being stabbed. The suspect's girlfriend was reported to have said, "I hope that nr dies" as Lawson lay dying. The suspect, Kyle Zoellner, was initially arrested but later released due to the mishandling of the preliminary hearing by the Humboldt County DA's office.
The investigation into Lawson's murder has been plagued by a series of cover-ups, botched investigations, and clear examples of systemic racism, nepotism, and conflicts of interest. The National Police Foundation reviewed the handling of the case and found gross incompetence and mishandling by the first responders. Despite the presence of DNA evidence linking a bloody knife to both Lawson and Zoellner, no prosecution has been secured. Lawson's family and the community continue to seek justice and closure, with his mother, Charmaine Lawson, leading the fight.
Humboldt State University has provided support to its students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. The university also granted a posthumous Certificate of Achievement to Lawson, which was presented at his funeral on May 1, 2017, in Moreno Valley, California.
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Humboldt State University reported 102 safety-related incidents in 2019
In 2019, Humboldt State University reported 102 safety-related incidents involving students on or near campus or at other properties affiliated with the school. With a student body population of 7,180, this equates to approximately 14.21 incidents per 1,000 students.
The reported incidents at Humboldt State University in 2019 fall into several categories, including arrests for major crimes, arrests for possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions account for the majority of incidents, at 86.3%. Arrests for possession make up 2.0% of incidents, while arrests for major crimes account for 10.8%. Violence against women represents 1.0% of the total incidents.
Arrests for major crimes include incidents such as murder, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, and arson. Violence against women encompasses domestic violence, date rape, and stalking. Arrests for possession refer to weapons possession, alcohol violations, and drug violations. Finally, disciplinary actions involve cases where no arrest occurred but some action was taken, such as weapon, alcohol, or drug violations.
It is important to note that the safety grade and overall safety of Humboldt State University are subject to debate. While the university prioritises providing a safe environment, with various security awareness resources available, it has also been described as a "very dangerous place to study" by American School Search, receiving a "D-" safety grade.
In addition to the 102 safety-related incidents reported by Humboldt State University in 2019, there is also the tragic case of David Josiah Lawson, a 19-year-old student who was stabbed to death in a racially motivated attack in 2018. While a suspect was arrested, they were not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence, as determined by a Humboldt County judge.
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The university has a separate category for 'violence against women'
Humboldt State University reported 102 safety-related incidents involving students on or near its campus or at other affiliated properties in 2019. With a student body population of 7,180, this equates to 14.21 incidents per 1,000 students. The university's crime and safety incidents are divided into several categories, including arrests for major crimes, arrests for possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions.
The violence against women grouping includes crimes such as domestic violence, date rape, and stalking. Humboldt State University has a separate category for violence against women, recognising the importance of addressing gender-based violence and providing support for survivors. This separate categorisation allows the university to track and address incidents of violence against women specifically, and develop targeted prevention strategies and response protocols.
The university's response to the tragic loss of student David Josiah Lawson, who was stabbed and killed in a racially motivated attack, demonstrates its commitment to supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. Humboldt State University offered counselling and support services to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. The university also assisted local law enforcement in their investigation, underscoring its dedication to seeking justice for victims of violence.
In addition to addressing on-campus violence, Humboldt State University has also responded to off-campus incidents affecting its community. Following a bus accident in 2014 that resulted in the deaths of an admissions counsellor and two alumni, the university established memorial scholarships to honour the victims and support low-income and first-generation college students. The university also operated an information line for those seeking updates and guidance in the aftermath of the accident, demonstrating its commitment to keeping its community informed and supported during difficult times.
While the university's separate category for violence against women is a positive step towards addressing gender-based violence, it is important to recognise that the reported crime statistics may not capture the full scope of incidents. The number of reported crimes may be influenced by factors such as the strictness of reporting policies and the willingness of survivors to come forward. Nonetheless, Humboldt State University's efforts to categorise and address violence against women specifically is a crucial aspect of creating a safer campus environment for all students.
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Three students were hospitalised after the I-5 bus crash in 2014
On April 10, 2014, a bus carrying students to Humboldt State University was involved in a tragic accident on Interstate 5 in Orland, California. The bus was struck head-on by a FedEx truck that had crossed the grassy median, resulting in a fiery explosion. Unfortunately, the crash claimed the lives of five students from the Los Angeles area, along with three chaperones and both drivers.
In the aftermath of the accident, three students were hospitalised in the Chico area. Humboldt State University officials provided ongoing support to the injured students and their families, and the University established a special information line for those seeking updates. The University also organised remembrance events, including a candlelight vigil, to honour those who perished.
The impact of the crash extended beyond the immediate victims, with the Humboldt State community rallying together to support those affected. The University created memorial scholarships in honour of the admissions counsellor and two alumni who died, specifically aimed at assisting low-income and first-generation college students. This scholarship fund was still being added to four years after the accident.
One of the survivors, Rosibeth Cuevas, went on to become the first in her family to graduate from college. She graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in criminology and justice studies and a minor in political science. Despite the challenges she faced, Cuevas credited the support of her family and the other survivors for helping her persevere and achieve her educational goals.
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Humboldt County has a list of unsolved homicide cases
Humboldt County, California, has a list of unsolved homicide and/or missing persons cases held by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. The list is not exhaustive and does not include cases investigated by other local law enforcement agencies. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is the primary investigating agency for cases that occurred in 2019 or earlier. The list is updated as new information is received or progress is made on a case.
Humboldt State University (HSU), located in Humboldt County, has had its fair share of tragic incidents involving students. In 2014, an HSU admissions counsellor and two alumni perished in the I-5 Charter Bus Accident, along with several other victims. The university community expressed its deepest condolences and offered counselling and support to those affected.
More recently, in April 2015, HSU student David Josiah Lawson, a 19-year-old sophomore studying criminology, was stabbed to death in an attack in Arcata. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated by the Arcata Police Department, with assistance from the University Police Department. A suspect was arrested and faced an initial hearing, but a Humboldt County judge later determined there was insufficient evidence for a trial. HSU has expressed disappointment with this setback and continues to provide support to those impacted by the loss.
In terms of overall campus safety, Humboldt State University reported 102 safety-related incidents in 2019, involving students on or near campus or at affiliated properties. This equates to approximately 14.21 incidents per 1,000 students, based on a student body population of 7,180. These incidents include arrests for major crimes, possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions. While the university works to ensure the safety of its students, staff, and faculty, tragic incidents can still occur, as evidenced by the loss of David Josiah Lawson.
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Frequently asked questions
One Humboldt State University student, David Josiah Lawson, was murdered in 2019.
David Josiah Lawson was stabbed to death in an attack that was described by witnesses as racially motivated.
Yes, there have been other student deaths at Humboldt State University. In 2014, an I-5 bus accident claimed the lives of two alumni and an admissions counsellor.
