CASE OF INTEREST

Date: July 28, 2003

Case: People v. Michael Chavez
Contact: Marjorie Koller, Major Crimes
Telephone: (916) 874-5873

A jury convicted Michael Chavez of second-degree murder last Thursday following a 4 week trial. On May 15, 2002, Chavez, a parolee at large, led Sacramento Sheriff’s Deputies on a high-speed pursuit that covered 15 miles. Deputies used two tack strips to slow down the Defendant. In spite of shredding tires, the Defendant continued on rims. When he entered the intersection of Marconi Avenue and Bell Street against a red light, he hit and killed Cynthia Rowland, a bus driver for disabled children.

The loss of Mrs. Rowland is a terrible tragedy for her family and friends. The Defendant will be sentenced by the Honorable Judge Ken Hake on August 22, 2003, and faces a life term.

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