Parole Denied in The 2012 Vehicular Murder Of Jesse Garcia

Heather Anne Howell, 41 years old of Santa Rosa, was denied parole yesterday following a hearing in front of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Board of Parole Hearings. This was the second parole hearing for Howell, who is serving a sentence of 15-years-to-life in state prison for killing Jesse Garcia, also of Santa Rosa. Howell was drunk and high on cocaine on July 12, 2012, when she got into an argument with her boyfriend, then pursued him in a miles-long, high-speed chase through the streets of Santa Rosa, near Piner High School. The chase ended on Hall Road, when Howell slammed into the back of the classic convertible car driven by Garcia. Garcia became trapped under his car when it was engulfed in flames and succumbed to fire-related injuries at the scene. In 2014, Howell was convicted by a jury of murder, reckless driving causing great bodily injury, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, with a prior DUI conviction.  She was sentenced to 15 years-to-life, but with good conduct credits awarded under the California Penal Code, her first eligibility date arrived after just 10 years’ incarceration.

After considering Howell’s testimony during the hearing, her prison records, and argument by attorneys, the Board issued a 3-year denial, finding Howell would continue to pose an unreasonable risk of danger to the community if released. Under current CDCR rules, however, Howell can petition for an earlier review.

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “After 13 years behind bars, Howell has demonstrated that despite a plethora of rehabilitative programs in prison, she continues to pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the public. As such, we support the Board’s denial of parole.” Chief Deputy District Attorney Anne Masterson, who prosecuted Howell at trial, appeared at the hearing to oppose release.

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