Plumas Criminal Case Update July 2023: Attempted murders, homicide and fire
By David Hollister
Plumas County District Attorney
Thank you all for your support and efforts in making Plumas County a safe and just place to live, work and play. I am especially grateful for the tremendous efforts of those throughout our community who continue to work so hard and make so many sacrifices to keep Plumas County safe during these challenging times.
It is with both sadness and trepidation we move through the last week of Plumas News posting updated information on their website – the county’s last source of local journalism. Through the years, Plumas News has played a great role in keeping Plumas County residents informed, educated and safe. The editor and reporters at Plumas News have always strived for, and achieved, fair, balanced and informative reporting. They get both sides of the story and ask the important questions. Plumas News has truly served as a watchdog for our citizens, bringing the best out of all of us. I remain grateful for the contributions of Plumas News to our community, especially the outstanding efforts of Owner/Publisher Cobey Brown as well as Editor Debra Moore and her staff. Cobey and Debra follow a line of talented, hardworking professionals dedicated to their profession, including Owner/Publisher Mike Taborski and Editor Dan McDonald to name a few. I am grateful and thank each for their service to our public.
In an effort to keep Plumas County informed about its criminal justice and public safety systems, beginning August 2023, the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office will activate its Facebook page and begin posting regular updates on current cases and other happenings in our judicial system.
Below, please find updated court dates of some of the more serious Plumas County cases from earlier this summer. It is not unusual for some time to pass before a trial date is set in order for both sides to obtain discovery, evaluate the case and be fully prepared to move forward to trial.
Quincy Attempted Murder of Off-Duty Deputy
On June 27, 2023, Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister filed a three count criminal complaint against Henry Maxwell Evans II, age 25 of San Jose, California, stemming from an incident in Quincy during the evening of June 25, 2023 at the residence of an off-duty Sheriff’s deputy.
In the criminal complaint, Evans is charged with three felonies – willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder, residential burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. The complaint alleges an enhancement for using a firearm in Counts One and Two. If convicted, Evans may face up to life in state prison. Evans is presumed innocent of the charges of which he is being accused.
Evans remains in custody at the Plumas County Correctional Facility with bail being set at $500,000. Although initial charges have been filed, the investigation remains ongoing and active. On June 30, 2023, through his attorney, Evans entered a plea of not guilty. Evans’ next court date is set for July 28, 2023.
Quincy Attempted Murder of Roommate
On June 20, 2023, Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister filed a three-count criminal complaint against Cole Brock Adam, age 20 of Quincy, California, stemming from an incident at a Claremont Court (Quincy) residence during the early morning hours of June 18, 2023 where a 20-year-old man suffered significant injuries.
In the criminal complaint, Adam is charged with three felonies – willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder, aggravated mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon. The complaint alleges two enhancements: use of a weapon in that Adam is alleged to have used a machete, and great bodily injury in that Adam is alleged to have caused injuries to the victim including dismembered fingers, severe lacerations to the head, and a punctured lung. If convicted Adam may face up to life in state prison. Adam is presumed innocent of the charges of which he is being accused.
Adam remains in custody at the Plumas County Correctional Facility with bail being set at $500,000. On June 30, 2023, through his attorney, Adam entered a plea of not guilty and a pretrial conference was set for July 28, 2023.
Portola Fire
On June 20, 2023, Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister filed a criminal complaint against Dale Lee Clutter, age 63, of Portola, California stemming from a June 18, 2023 fire on Rocky Point Road in Portola.
In the criminal complaint, Clutter is charged with a felony violation of unlawfully causing a fire to an inhabited structure. Clutter is also alleged to have previously suffered a “strike” prior conviction.
Clutter has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled for further arraignment on August 11, 2023.
Quincy Homicide
On May 30, 2023, Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister filed a two count criminal complaint against Owen Walker Magers, age 38, of Quincy, California, stemming from an incident at a Quincy residence on May 27, 2023 where a 71-year-old man died.
In the criminal complaint, Magers is charged with one count of murder along with an enhancement for using a knife and a baseball bat as deadly and dangerous weapons. Count two alleges a felony violation of arson of an inhabited dwelling. If convicted Magers may face up to 34 years to life in state prison. Magers is presumed innocent of the charges of which he is being accused.
Magers remains in custody at the Plumas County Correctional Facility with bail being set at $1 million. On June 16, 2023, criminal proceedings were suspended pending a competency determination under Section 1368 of the Penal Code. The matter is next set for September 8, 2023 for further proceedings.
Thank you, again for your support and efforts. Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at the DA’s Office.
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