Arrested murder suspect released from custody

After meeting with District Attorney Katherine Micks, Sheriff Garrett Scott has released homicide suspect Jeremiah Kirsch from jail custody.

Kirsch, 45, was arrested following a shooting incident in his residence in Gasquet Saturday evening, March 30.

Deputies arrested Kirsch without incident after responding to the scene. Sean Prunty, 40, was lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to his chest. According to the Sheriff, Prunty was deceased at the scene. A third elderly individual on site was not detained.

Upon filing the arrest report for murder, the report was filed with District Attorney Micks, who met with the Sheriff, Tuesday afternoon. April 2. Sheriff Scott told The Triplicate The District Attorney shared she could not prove guilt of suspect Kirsch beyond a reasonable doubt. Thursday, Sheriff Scott released Kirsch from custody and reported Kirsch is now at Sutter Coast Hospital Intensive Care Unit on unrelated health issues.

A email to DA Micks, Wednesday, April 3 by The Triplicate was not acknowledged. The District Attorney was queried about the reasoning for deciding not to prosecute Kirsch and the status of the investigation or consideration of other felony charges to be filed. To date, Micks has not responded to The Triplicate's questions.

Though disagreeing with the District Attorney’s decision, Sheriff Scott told The Triplicate he respects the DA’s decision and hopes new evidence will surface to persuade felony prosecution of Kirsch.