CASE OF INTEREST

Date: August 26, 2003
Contacts: Marjorie Koller, Major Crimes, (916) 874-5873

On Friday, August 22, 2003, Michael Ray Chavez received a sentence of 34 years to life following the jury conviction last month.

On July 24, 2003, a jury convicted Michael Chavez of second degree murder following a 4 week trial. On May 15, 2002, Chavez, a parolee at large, led Sacramento Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed pursuit which 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 Ave. and Bell Street against a red light, he hit and killed Cynthia Rowland, a bus driver for disabled children.

At an emotional sentencing hearing, Judge Kenneth Hake heard from family members including the Victim’s brother-in-law who spoke on behalf of Mrs. Rowland’s husband and the Victim’s younger brother who read a letter from the Victim’s mother. The loss of Mrs. Rowland is a terrible tragedy for her family and friends.

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