Murderer Denied Parole

District Attorney Jill Ravitch has announced that on April 14, 2020 the California Board of Prison Terms denied parole to Fidencio Chavez, 57 years old, who was convicted in 1992 of first degree murder for the killing of victim Frank Tassara.

District Attorney Ravitch stated, “This was an extremely violent offense. After speaking with the victim’s family, and reviewing this inmate’s in-custody behavior and parole plans, we absolutely believe the defendant remains a threat and should not be released into the community.”

Chavez stabbed Tassara twenty-eight times about his neck, abdomen, and upper body on August 24, 1991. The crime was discovered after Tassara’s body was found in a shallow grave in Geyserville, behind the residence of Chavez’s father. Tassara, and Chavez were acquaintances at the time of the murder.

Tassara was 62 at the time of his death, and drove an ice cream truck.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Monday morning hearing to determine whether Chavez currently remains an unreasonable risk to the public was conducted via Skype. After taking testimony from Chavez, reviewing prison files, hearing from the victim’s family, and arguments from both Chavez’s attorney and the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, the California Board of Prison Terms issued a three year denial of parole.

Deputy District Attorney Javier Vaca appeared on behalf of the prosecution at the hearing in opposition to Chavez’s release on parole.