Murray

INTRODUCTION

Cody Powers appeals the denial of his special motion to strike filed

under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16,1 commonly known as the anti- SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) statute. Powers was in a romantic triangle with Melodee Eva-Zacchara and Sean Murray. On August 8, 2017, Eva-Zacchara and Murray had a domestic dispute. Powers reported the incident to the Oceanside Police Department. Eva-Zacchara and Murray were never able to agree about what happened on August 8. Eva-Zacchara claimed Murray had assaulted her, which Murray disputed. However, when she sent Murray what appeared to be a police report supporting her version of events, Murray grew concerned. The police report referred to Murray as a “suspect,” indicated his crimes had been substantiated, and appeared to have been circulated to other law enforcement agencies. Eva-Zacchara made similar claims to others about Murray’s criminal behavior and law enforcement entanglements. These claims harmed Murray’s personal and work relationships and caused him to abandon his life in California. After Murray relocated to another state, he contacted the Oceanside Police Department. He then…