Anthony Mehlhaff, vocalist for punk-metal band Cancer Christ, has formally pleaded not guilty to a series of felony charges related to a disturbing and violent spree that allegedly unfolded near Yosemite National Park on August 21, 2024. Mehlhaff has remained in custody since his arrest, and new details surrounding his legal case, mental health, and substance use have continued to emerge.
According to prior reports, Mehlhaff‘s alleged behavior began earlier that day at a restaurant in Buck Meadows, Mariposa County. He is accused of making alarming statements to a pregnant waitress, including: “The spirits led me to you and your baby belongs to me.”
He allegedly told her he would be “waiting” for her during her break. The situation reportedly escalated when Mehlhaff is said to have stolen drinks and assaulted a restaurant employee before leaving the scene. Authorities claim Mehlhaff then traveled toward Yosemite National Park, where the situation intensified dramatically. He is accused of:
- Stealing a bicycle
- Threatening lodge employees with a knife
- Stripping down to his underwear
- Attempting to kidnap a store manager
- Stealing the manager’s vehicle
- Ramming another vehicle
- Crashing while fleeing from law enforcement
Following the crash, Mehlhaff was taken into custody but allegedly assaulted sheriff’s deputies while being evaluated at a local hospital.
According to a new report from the Mariposa Gazette, an amended complaint filed on November 10, 2024, now has Mehlhaff facing ten felony counts, including kidnapping, robbery, theft, vandalism, and assault with a deadly weapon. Four additional charges — including battery of a police officer — were reduced to misdemeanors.
The Mariposa Gazette also reports that Mehlhaff has dismissed at least three public defenders, while two others declined to represent him. The same report indicates that Mehlhaff‘s apparent mental health crisis began weeks earlier. In late July 2024, he was reportedly placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold.
In early August, Mehlhaff allegedly barricaded himself inside a hospital room, causing roughly $5,000 in damage by breaking windows, tearing down ceiling tiles, and flooding the room. He was arrested on charges including vandalism and criminal threats, but hospital staff later declined to press charges and he was released.
The Mariposa Gazette spoke with Mehlhaff‘s ex-wife, with whom he shares a 13-year-old daughter. She stated that Mehlhaff had lived a sober lifestyle for years, citing family history of mental illness, but claimed that changed in 2023.
According to her account, Mehlhaff began abusing psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) and heavily consuming THC edibles and beverages, coinciding with the breakdown of their relationship and eventual separation. A bandmate in Cancer Christ reportedly corroborated this account, describing Mehlhaff‘s behavior as manic and out of character, allegedly linked to sudden substance abuse.
Two forensic psychiatrists have since evaluated Mehlhaff and reportedly diagnosed him with:
- Bipolar disorder
- Complex trauma
- Cannabis use disorder
- Hallucinogen use disorder
His mother reportedly suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, and Mehlhaff is said to have experienced a difficult childhood. A psychiatric assessment concluded that the August rampage was likely triggered by substance abuse involving psilocybin and THC. Despite this, Mehlhaff has reportedly refused anti-psychotic medication while in custody.
Mehlhaff‘s current legal team plans to seek a mental health diversion, which would allow him to avoid prosecution if he agrees to two years of treatment and therapy. However, the Mariposa County District Attorney has stated they intend to oppose the motion.
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