INVESTIGATORS SEEK ANSWERS IN CRANE CASE

The investigation into the murder of 39-year-old Laytonville resident
Les Crane continues.

Crane, owner of Mendo Spiritual Remedies in Laytonville and Hemp Plus
Ministry in Ukiah, was shot to death at his Laytonville home a week
ago today.

Mendocino County Sheriff's Detective Commander D.J. Miller said then
the home intrusion appeared to be robbery motivated. An undisclosed
amount of money and processed marijuana was stolen, he said.

Jennifer Drewry, who was there during the ordeal, said she woke up to
the sounds of footsteps and then four to six men dressed in black,
wearing black masks, broke down the door and yelled, "This is a raid,
this is a raid, this is a raid."

The men beat her and another resident - 20-year-old Sean Dirlam -
with a baseball bat, and then they shot and killed Crane, Drewry said.

Mendocino County District Attorney Norm Vroman on Wednesday said the
investigation is continuing.

"At this point nothing has been turned over to us by the Sheriff's
Office, but my investigators are working with them," he said.

A memorial for Crane is planned for a future date, not yet determined.
Those interested in attending the memorial can call the Ukiah Ministry
at 468-1478 for more information.

The Hemp Plus Ministry in Ukiah, which closed the day Crane was
killed, reopened Monday. However, while the sanctuary has reopened,
the sale of hemp products has been suspended until a business license
is obtained by the new management.