Hughes pleads guilty to 2nd degree murder

Gabriel Joseph Hughes of Crescent City amended his not guilty plea and admitted his guilt in the stabbing death of Rick Nations, 69, last December. Hughes also admitted guilt in the assault with a deadly weapon stabbing attack on Nation's daughter, Lindsey, age undisclosed.

Hughes acknowledged and signed off on a 22 year to life sentence when he will appear before Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh, in September. District Attorney Katherine Micks supervised the plea arrangement.

Hughes was arrested on the 1300 Block of West Keller after a report neighbors heard cries for help from a young woman identified as Nations’ daughter, Lindsey. She told deputies Hughes stabbed her. Hughes has been detained in the jail since the December 6 incident.

On a separate matter, Sheriff Garrett Scott announced the transfer of ten convicted felons to the California Department of Corrections, freeing up needed bed space space. The DNSD transfer team delivered the ten felons to North Kern Correctional facility in Delano, two weeks ago.

Sheriff Scott earlier reported he has increased detainment 30 percent since he’s been Sheriff.