A 31-year-old Californian, convicted of murder in 2022 for a tragic incident involving a biting incident by his Italian mastiff puppy, received a harsh sentence last Friday: 100 years to life in prison.
On January 6, 2022, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reported that Jake Henry Combs had fatally shot Trevor John Earley, a 25-year-old man, with a Glock 9mm pistol at an Alderpoint residence. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were initially unclear. Combs left the scene and was later involved in a highway crash on Highway 36 near Buck Mountain, where he was detained by California Highway Patrol officers.
Following his arrest and trial, Combs was convicted of first-degree murder. During the trial, prosecutors stated that Earley, Combs, and others had been socializing at Combs' home when Earley's nose was severely bitten by Combs' Italian mastiff puppy, leading to a heated argument. Later, without warning, Combs shot Earley in the head while Earley was chatting with a friend on the porch.
Combs admitted to the shooting but claimed he feared for his dog's life. He said Earley had threatened to kill the dog, and he believed Earley would follow through with the threat.
At the time of the shooting, Earley was intoxicated, but the jury found Combs fully responsible for the senseless murder of an unarmed man.
Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm expressed condolences to Earley's family after Combs' conviction, praising the investigative work of law enforcement.
Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum handed down a sentence of 100 years to life, deeming the murder "cruel and callous."
Tragically, Earley was killed just one day before his family was to attend his sister Sierra's wedding. Sierra Earley, speaking at the sentencing, described the daily pain of losing her brother.
While Combs' apology was met with skepticism by Earley's family, he mentioned a remorseful letter he wrote in jail.
Trevor Earley was remembered as a compassionate man with a "heart of gold" who cared deeply for his loved ones. He was also known as a dedicated athlete and accomplished wrestler, achieving notable success in local and state wrestling tournaments.
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