Hunsucker Escapes Deputies on Quad Down River

Bruce Jason Stallings-Hunsucker, 36, of Eureka, a suspect in the homicide of Darrell Hanger on May 5, 2011, is still wanted by authories. Stallings-Hunsucker is considered armed and dangerous./Photo courtesy of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

By SHELLY MIDDLETON, TRT Contributing Writer

The Humboldt County Sheriffs Department (HCSD) arrested the third suspect believed to be involved in the homicide of Willow Creek resident, Darrell Hanger Sr., last week and despite a close pursuit near Pecwan, nearly captured their final suspect on Friday.

Samantha Machado (aka Samantha Smoker), was arrested without incident near a residence at the 600 block of West Del Norte St. in Eureka last Tuesday.

HCSD Detective, Steve Quenell, said they received information that Machado was seen leaving the residence, which he confirmed to be a relative of Machados, and the Eureka Police Department (EPD) Problem Oriented Policing Team conducted surveillance of the area.

Shortly after receiving the information, the members of EPD and the HCSD, surrounded the home and served a search warrant. They located Machado inside.

Quenell would not confirm whether or not Machado is being forthcoming with information in regards to the murder, which occurred at Hanger’s son’s home in Willow Creek on May 5, however as of early last week said they may be closing in on the final suspect, Bruce Jason Stallings-Hunsucker.

It is common knowledge that Machado and Stallings-Hunsucker are, or were a couple during the time of the murder, however after an intense search of the home, he was not located at the Eureka residence.

On Friday, scanner traffic indicated a vehicle pursuit in Weitchpec-Pecwan area (aka Down River) near Lower Cappell Road. The TRT quickly learned that it was in fact that of Stallings-Hunsucker.

According to Lt. George Cavinta, the Yurok Tribal Police Department (YTPD) made visual confirmation of Stallings-Hunsucker driving a quad near Lower Cappell Road and attempted to initiate a stop.

Stallings-Hunsucker fled and a short pursuit ensued. Cavinta said Stallings-Hunsucker, who is extremely familiar with the area since being raised Down River, led officers down a dirt (single entrance) road and eventually fled on foot.

YTPD called for backup, however due to the location, it took responding CHP officers and deputies from the HCSD nearly an hour to arrive on scene.

Law enforcement officers continued to search on foot for Stallings-Hunsucker for the next several hours, receiving air support from the CHP.

Cavinta said a CHP helicopter was able to respond to the area promptly since they were already in the air conducting a search for two and a half year-old McKinleyville resident, Sophie Parker Pedreros, who went missing last week and whose body was located in the Trinity River on Saturday.

“We are still aggressively attempting to search for Hunsucker and he should be considered armed and dangerous,” said Detective Quenell.

Members of the HCSD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit and investigators were in full force on Monday following up with leads and going door-to-door to residents Down River.

Cavinta said the most recent report of Stallings-Hunsucker’s whereabouts was received by their department early Monday afternoon.

“We received a report that he was seen on foot near Mitchell Road,” said Cavinta.

Law enforcement officers responded to the scene, but Stallings-Hunsucker was not located.

Hanger, a lifelong resident and beloved member of the Willow Creek community was shot and killed in the early morning hours of May 5, following an exchange between Hanger and four suspects including, Jackson Surber, Sonia Hunsucker, Smoker and Stallings-Hunsucker, all of whom were believed to arrive at the residence to burglarize the home.

Surber and Sonia Hunsucker were taken into custody several days following the murder. All three of the suspects in custody are being held on a $1 million bail each.

The HCSD is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bruce ‘Jason’ Stallings-Hunsucker to call Detective Schlesigner or Detective Quenell at (707) 445-7251.