Santa Rosa woman denied parole in fatal crash during chase of boyfriend

For the second time since 2022, a Santa Rosa woman is denied parole for the death of a motorist in 2012 murdered while chasing her boyfriend through the city.

Heather Anne Howell, 41, will continue serving a prison sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the July 12, 2012 death of Santa Rosa resident Jesse Garcia, 56.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s parole board denied his request for release during a hearing Thursday. Howell was first eligible for parole in July 2022, which the board refused.

With Thursday’s rejection, the board ruled that he will not be eligible again for three years, but can request an earlier review.

According to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, board members considered Howell’s testimony during the hearing, jail records and attorneys’ arguments. They concluded that she posed a threat to the community if she was released.

“After 13 years behind bars, Howell has demonstrated that despite a host of prison rehabilitation programs, he continues to pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the public,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. in a statement. “As such, we support the board’s denial of parole.”

A jury convicted Howell in 2014 of murder, reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Authorities previously said Howell’s blood alcohol level on the night of the murder was 0.11% after he used cocaine and marijuana.

She and her boyfriend argued that night: He left on a motorcycle and Howell chased him for miles at high speeds near Piner High School.

Witnesses testified during Howell’s trial she clenched her fist, yelled “yee-haw” from the window of her Acura and held her hand in a gun shape during the chase.

The chase ended on Hall Road after Howell crashed into the back of Garcia’s convertible.

Garcia’s car overturned and he became trapped when it became engulfed in flames. He died at the scene after suffering “fire-related injuries,” according to the District Attorney’s Office.

You can contact staff writer Colin Atagi at [email protected]. On Twitter @colin_atagi