Covelo man, Samson Musselini Joaquin, was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on November 20, the day after Round Valley residents Traci Bland and Kevin McCarthy disappeared, and now faces charges of kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm in connection with the couple’s disappearance.
Traci Bland and Kyle McCartney were said to have been attacked by four men on November 19 after arrival at an Oak Lane property in Covelo. Four days later, two bodies were discovered alongside rugged Hulls Valley Road north of Covelo.
Traci Bland 
Kyle McCartney
These charges mirror those of Covelo man, Joseph Hoaglen, we wrote about earlier today, implying these two men could very well be part of the initial group of four men that were said to attack and assault Kyle and Tracy.
It is important to know that these charges have not been officially filed with the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and the information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty
Regarding the charging of Joaquin and Hoaglen in connection with the deaths, Captain Van Patten said, “Detectives believe they had enough probable cause for the additional charges at this point, and the DA will have the ultimate decision on if charges will be filed.” He said that California District Attorney’s are required to submit criminal complaints within 48 hours so “we will know soon.”
According to an April 2020 press release, Joaquin was arrested and charged with domestic violence battery after allegedly attempting to choke and hit his pregnant partner.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office asks to hear from “anyone with specific information” about the crimes committed against Bland and McCartney. If you have any information about this case please call the Sheriff’s Office Communications line at 707-463-4086 or the Tip line at 707-234-2100.
Earlier Chapters
- Covelo Man Faces Charges of Kidnapping Associated with the Kidnapping and Subsequent Deaths of Two Near Covelo
- Two Bodies Discovered North of Round Valley; Law Enforcement Believes They Are Connected to Covelo Kidnapping
- Two Covelo Residents Sought After Going Missing Under Suspicious Circumstances, Says MCSO
Tracy was my friend. She didn’t deserve this!!!!