An Arcata resident suspected of shooting a man found dead last month in his tent in the Valley West area was arrested today by Arcata Police Department detectives with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
According to an APD news release, Devon Preston Cathey, 30, was taken into custody in connection with the death of Nicklas Sellars, 33, who was found dead around 11 p.m. Oct. 18 after police responded to the Carlson Park area on a report of a possible homicide.
APD Lt. Todd Dokweiler previously told the Journal a crime scene investigation was initiated Oct. 18 and numerous people who were interviewed in the green belt area reported hearing gunshots that afternoon. “This homicide does not appear to be random and is likely the result of an ongoing dispute,” Dokweiler said.
Read the APD release below:
On 10/18/2022 at approximately 2252 hours, the Arcata Police Department responded to the 5200 Blk of Carlson Park Dr. in the Valley West neighborhood of Arcata, on the report of a possible homicide. Officers located 33 year old Nicklas Sellars of Eureka, deceased in a tent. It appeared Mr. Sellars had suffered multiple gun shot wounds. On 11/16/022, Arcata Police Department Detectives, with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, arrested 30 year old Devon Preston Cathey of Arcata, for the suspected homicide of Mr. Sellars. Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call Arcata Police Department Detective V. Johnson at (707)822-2428.
This article appears in ‘Time is Running Out’.
We live next-door to one of the two homes that were searched. I had my scanner on and heard officers calling in a report of explosive materials found at one home. A explosives team was called for, responded and reported that no devices were found, but explosive materials were present. I hope that there is going to be a through investigation and prosecution. The explosive materials obviously pose a grave risk to other homes and lives. Maybe this is somehow associated with domestic terrorism?