Willits Woman Arrested for Alleged Assault with Deadly Weapon, Accused of Stabbing Two People
WILLITS, CA — “On 10/1/2026 at approximately 02:25 A.M., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of Cropley Lane in Willits, CA, for a report of a disturbance involving a female who was reportedly threatening to stab another person.
Officers from the Willits Police Department also responded to assist. Sheriff’s Deputies and Willits Police Officers arrived at the location and contacted Catherine RifeCriner, who told law enforcement she had stabbed a 40-year-old male from Willits.
Medical personnel responded to the scene and with assistance from law enforcement, located the male victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Sheriff’s Deputies initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies learned RifeCriner had been searching for her boyfriend in the area. RifeCriner located her boyfriend, and the two became involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation.
During the altercation, RifeCriner allegedly grabbed and assaulted her boyfriend causing visible injuries. The 40-year-old male victim was also at the location and attempted to escort RifeCriner from the property. During that encounter, RifeCriner allegedly stabbed the other male victim.
During their investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies located the knife believed to have been used during the assault. The recovery of the knife provided additional evidence corroborating information obtained during the investigation.
Based on the totality of the circumstances and evidence collected during the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies developed probable cause to arrest RifeCriner for 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a deadly weapon, and 273.5 PC – Domestic violence causing injury.
RifeCriner was transported to the Mendocino County Jail and booked on the above charges. She was subsequently released from custody after posting $50,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
