Eureka woman’s torture, homicide prelim delayed
The preliminary hearing for a Eureka woman accused of torturing and murdering a 19-yearold was pushed back in order to assure attorneys have time to receive and review a doctor’s report.
The preliminary hearing for Daniella Moore, who is facing charges of murder and torture related to the death of 19-year-old Eureka resident Hannah Hayhurst on July 4, 2019, was set for Monday, but Humboldt County Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo and Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads told the court both attorneys were waiting on one of two doctors’ reports.
“The court appointed two doctors to evaluate Ms. Moore after we entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea,” Russo said. “We’ve received one of those reports from Dr. Hung. As far as I think Ms. Eads and I know, we haven’t received a report from the second doctor — Mr. Matto.”
Attorneys said they needed to review the reports before proceeding to a preliminary hearing and suggested having a preliminary hearing setting date in three weeks to allow time for receipt of the second report.
“I’d say three (weeks) just so we’re not in the same position,” Russo said, “but I do think we’re going to get the report here pretty quick.”
The preliminary hearing setting date is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Feb. 23.