UKIAH, CA., 3/2/2017 — Five of the seven men accused in the killing of Laytonville cannabis farmer Jeffrey Settler appeared in court on March 2 to delay entering their pleas until April 24. Four of the defendants appeared one month ago for the same purpose, but at that time, the plea was delayed so defense counsel could have more time to examine evidence. On February 24, Jesse Cole Wells, 33, of Laytonville, was arrested in South Lake Tahoe. He has since been included in the criminal complaint.
Jeffrey Settler was beaten and stabbed to death on his farm in Laytonville on November 11, 2016. Six of the accused in the case are now in custody, though Frederick Gaestel, 27, who was arrested in Virginia on February 10, is still out of state. Suspect Gary Blank III, 34, of Garberville, remains at large.
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