Christopher Hopkins, a 19-year-old Petaluma resident, was arrested from his home in the 400 block of Arcadia Drive on Aug. 21 for the stabbing-death of his father James Hopkins Jr., 49. At the time of his arrest, Hopkins confessed to the murder. 

A friend reported to police that Hopkins had made some concerning statements about self-harm and requested a welfare check. When police arrived they found his father’s body. Investigators believe Hopkins Jr. died a few days before he was even found, but can’t confirm this until the autopsy is complete. 

Family, friends, and the community are grieving the loss of Hopkins Jr. 

Former Sonoma State University student, Haley Hopkins is the victim’s daughter and older sister of the suspected killer. On Facebook, she explained how Jamie understood her like no other. She wrote, “This doesn’t even feel real rite now… I love you dad, I wish I had spent more time with you but I will always cherish my memories with you.” 

A friend of the victim described him as a wonderful person. “His laughs were contagious. He would joke for any little thing. He was someone who you could always count on,.” the friend said.  

The surrounding community is grieving with Hopkins’ friends and family following this tragic loss. Mikayla Balleza, a Sonoma State Grad student majoring in Early Childhood said, “When I first heard the news about this, I was speechless. It was scary to think that this happened somewhere close to me and I hope that anyone who knew the victim is okay despite everything.” 

According to a 2018 article from Petaluma360, Hopkins was in a severe car accident. Hopkins was in critical condition following the accident and, as a result, he suffered a cut spleen, a broken pelvis and ribs, bruised and bleeding internal organs and a temporary paralyzation. 

Hopkins’ father documented his son’s recovery on Facebook. On Jan. 25, Hopkins Jr. shared an old Facebook memory highlighting a Press Democrat article about his son. A commenter asked if Hopkins was ever financially compensated for the accident and Hopkins Jr. replied, “Christopher is set up pretty well.” 

At the time of the accident, James Hopkins said to Petaluma360 in 2018, “He’s being very stoic about it, he’s not complaining much – the only real thing is that he’s irritated with the constant attention and the poking and prodding,

Hopkins Jr. worked as a mechanic at HenHouse Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. He loved his job, and was liked by all. In 2018, the Petaluma Argus Courier reported that Jamie raised his son on his own and was by his son’s bedside daily while he was recovering in the hospital. A childhood friend of the victim told me through Facebook messenger that Hopkins Jr. placed a hospital bed in the front room of their house to make sure his son was receiving physical therapy because he couldn’t walk for a while. 

SSU Psychology Professor Glenn Brassington explained a traumatic accident can either have a negative or positive effect on mental health depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the extent and nature of the physical trauma, the perspective the person has about themselves in relation to trauma, and the person’s mental and physical health during the time of the trauma. 

When experiencing trauma, there are different degrees such as post-traumatic stress or post-traumatic growth. PTSD is when the traumatic injury can cause long term negative psychological effects such as physiological stress and nightmares that can lead to self-harm or harm to another.  As a result of trauma, many report that priorities in life become more clearer and tend to appreciate life more. It makes them focus their attention on what they want to get out of life. 

Brassington’s said, “Trauma and life crises can be a powerful opportunity for growth.” 

Brassington explained that, as humans, we have choices when we experience trauma. We can choose to grow, taking in all the positive aspects of life, or constantly look back at what could’ve been. Life crisis and trauma creates an opportunity to live with more urgency and grow closer to others which is what makes the difference between experiencing growth or psychological distress. 

Hopkins appeared at Sonoma County Superior Court on Aug. 23 via Zoom where he was denied bail by Judge Honigsberg. Hopkins plea hearing is scheduled for Sept.6.

COURTESY // Sonoma County Scanner Instagram

Christopher Hopkins was arrested for stabbing his father to death on Aug 21.