Recently, a series of anonymous threats disrupted schools and businesses across Humboldt County, triggering fear and confusion among students and residents. Reports indicate that children were left crying, clinging to each other in fear as the credibility of these threats remained unknown.
Although none of the threats resulted in actual violence, schools still took precautionary measures. Local law enforcement, alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma police, worked tirelessly on this extensive investigation. Their efforts finally paid off when they identified the prime suspect: Daryl Ray Jones, age 31, a resident of Lawton County, Oklahoma, who was taken into custody on March 21.
Jones’s connection to Humboldt County was uncovered. He reportedly attended Jacoby Creek Elementary School in the early 2000s, providing insight into a potential motive for these threats. News outlets report that he made around 20 calls to local businesses and schools before being caught. Eureka High was the first to receive a threat from Jones on March 18, and the following morning, many more schools were targeted. Sunny Brae Middle School, Jacoby Creek, Arcata Elementary, Trinidad, and Arcata High were all victims of these disturbing threats throughout the week. Local businesses, including Humbrews and Don’s Donuts, were also targeted, receiving approximately 10 calls in a singular day.
“He was very confident, kind of joking, like he was having fun,” a cashier at one of the businesses said. “I kind of chit-chatted back. I didn’t say much, but at one point, I tried to just take his pizza order. He got a little mad at that.”
Police reports indicate that Jones has listed residences across the United States, including Las Vegas, San Diego, Arcata, and most recently, Oklahoma. This is not his first run-in with the law in Humboldt County. In 2016, he was cited for speeding, and he has two ongoing investigations related to stalking Cal Poly students as early as 2023.
According to VoteRecords.com, Jones is registered as a Democrat voter as of 2019, but his social media posts suggest other ideological perspectives. He has repeatedly shared photos of himself brandishing pistols and assault rifles, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Additionally, his posts indicate anti-migrant opinions and skepticism regarding police misconduct.
“He told us to put the money in the bag, and he’d be in. If it wasn’t ready for him, he would shoot us,” the cashier recounted. “Then he said, ‘I can’t wait to slit your family’s throats.’ And then he asked, ‘Do your kids go to school around here, Pacific Union or Sunny Brae?’”
Since this investigation is still open and Jones has not yet been sentenced, many details remain undisclosed to the public. Authorities have not released specific information regarding his threats to the schools. People have speculated that Jones could have a connection to the numerous threats McKinleyville High received last year but there is no evidence that has confirmed these opinions. Jones is now detained in Oklahoma. Law enforcement is awaiting his decision on whether he will waive or challenge extradition, which would determine if he will be transferred to Humboldt County for trial.
