Santa Rosa woman denied parole in fatal crash while chasing boyfriend

Santa Rosa woman denied parole for second time since 2022 for the death of a motorist in 2012 killed while chasing her boyfriend through town.

Heather Ann Howell, 41, will continue to serve 15 years to life in prison for the July 12, 2012, death of 56-year-old Santa Rosa resident Jesse Garcia.

A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation panel denied her request to be released during a hearing Thursday. Howell was first eligible for parole in July 2022, which the board rejected.

After Thursday’s denial, the board ruled she would not be eligible again for three years, but she can petition for a preliminary review.

According to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, members of the panel reviewed Howell’s testimony during the hearing, jail records and arguments from attorneys. They concluded that she poses a threat to society if released.

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

In 2014, a jury found Haull guilty of murder, reckless driving and intoxication manslaughter.

Officials previously said Howell’s blood-alcohol level on the night of the murder was 0.11 percent, after she had taken cocaine and marijuana.

That night, she and her boyfriend got into an argument — he drove off on a motorcycle and Howell chased him for miles at high speeds near Piner High School.

Witnesses testified at Howell’s trial she fist-pumped it, yelled “huh-huh” from the window of her Acura, and held a gun-shaped hand during the chase.

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

Garcia’s vehicle overturned and he was trapped as he was engulfed in flames. He died at the scene of “fire-related injuries,” according to the district attorney’s office.

Staff writer Colin Atagi can be reached at [email protected]. On Twitter @colin_atagi