PLACERVILLE — A Placerville man has admitted helping the suspect accused of murdering Tyson Fiddler avoid law enforcement, marking the latest development in one of El Dorado County’s highest-profile homicide investigations.
Michael Alexander Cooney pleaded guilty Friday in El Dorado County Superior Court to one felony count of being an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Tyson Fiddler. The plea was entered before Judge Jamie L. Pesce after defense attorney Adam Clark moved forward with a negotiated agreement.
According to an eight-page El Dorado County Superior Court plea agreement, Cooney admitted he harbored, concealed or aided Joshua Joseph Lighthall after the killing with the intent of helping him escape arrest, prosecution and punishment.
Under the negotiated disposition, Cooney is expected to receive a county jail sentence ranging from 16 to 24 months. Formal sentencing is scheduled for November.
The guilty plea resolves the accessory case while the murder prosecution against Lighthall continues to move through the court system.
Prosecutors Allege Cooney Helped Murder Suspect Evade Arrest
Court records allege Cooney knowingly assisted Lighthall following the homicide rather than participating directly in the killing itself.
California’s accessory-after-the-fact statute applies to individuals who knowingly assist someone after a felony has been committed with the intent of helping that person avoid arrest or prosecution.
By accepting the plea agreement, Cooney admitted to the conduct outlined in the negotiated disposition, avoiding a trial on the accessory charge.
Tyson Fiddler Disappeared After Leaving Placerville Bar
The criminal case stems from the disappearance and death of Tyson Fiddler, an El Dorado County resident who was last seen at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2024, leaving PJ’s Roadhouse on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.
His disappearance prompted an extensive search by family members and investigators.
Five days later, on Oct. 10, 2024, detectives with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office located Fiddler’s body in a remote rural area of El Dorado County. Investigators determined the death was a homicide.
The Sheriff’s Office spent approximately 18 months investigating the case before making arrests.
Murder Case Against Joshua Lighthall Continues
The principal defendant, Joshua Joseph Lighthall, 47, of Sacramento, was arrested April 23, 2026, on a no-bail warrant following the lengthy investigation.
Lighthall has been charged with first-degree murder along with a deadly weapon enhancement. Prosecutors allege the weapon used was a cord.
According to the criminal complaint, prosecutors further allege the homicide involved “planning, sophistication or professionalism” and included “acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness.”
Following multiple hearings this spring and summer, a Superior Court judge denied Lighthall bail in July after finding clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions would adequately protect public safety.
He remains in custody at the El Dorado County Jail.
Lighthall’s next court appearance, a pre-preliminary hearing, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 18, 2026, at the El Dorado County Superior Court in Placerville.
Timeline of the Investigation
The investigation has unfolded over nearly two years:
- Oct. 5, 2024: Tyson Fiddler was last seen leaving PJ’s Roadhouse in Placerville.
- Oct. 10, 2024: Detectives located Fiddler’s body in a remote area of El Dorado County and determined foul play was involved.
- October 2024-April 2026: Sheriff’s detectives conducted an extensive homicide investigation.
- April 23, 2026: Joshua Joseph Lighthall was arrested on a no-bail warrant.
- Spring 2026: Michael Alexander Cooney was charged as an accessory after the fact.
- July 13, 2026: Lighthall was denied bail.
- Aug. 7, 2026: Cooney pleaded guilty pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sept. 18, 2026: Lighthall is scheduled to return to court for a pre-preliminary hearing.
Official Statement
“The defendant admitted to acting as an accessory after the fact,” according to the El Dorado County Superior Court plea agreement filed in connection with Cooney’s change of plea.
The murder allegations against Lighthall remain pending. Under California law, criminal charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Residents seeking additional information can review future hearing calendars through the El Dorado County Superior Court or case updates released by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Sources: El Dorado County Superior Court plea agreement filed Aug. 7, 2026; El Dorado County Superior Court criminal case records; El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office homicide investigation releases.
