A lady who fatally struck a Vacaville police officer together with her automotive has been charged with homicide and could possibly be eligible for the demise penalty, her protection lawyer mentioned.
Serena CJ Rodriguez is accused of intentionally driving into Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen on July 11 whereas he was on a site visitors cease with one other car, the California Freeway Patrol mentioned in a information launch. Rodriguez allegedly tried to run away from the scene however was caught by bystanders who witnessed the crash. She was initially booked on suspicion of driving beneath the affect of medication however was in the end charged with murdering a peace officer Monday.
Bowen, 32, died on the hospital. He’s survived by his spouse, two sons, dad and mom and brother.
“We’re dissatisfied that the prosecution selected to file costs that might outcome within the demise penalty towards a troubled younger lady beneath these circumstances and we hope that the group is not going to rush to judgment whereas the investigation is ongoing,” mentioned Rodriguez’s public defender, Elena M. D’Agustino, in an electronic mail.
Rodriguez has had encounters with regulation enforcement in Placer County earlier than and had an excellent bench warrant on the time of the crash, in response to CBS-affiliate KOVR.
In November 2022, prosecutors charged Rodriguez with deliberately flooding her condominium, the station reported. A few month later, she was discovered with a hard and fast blade whereas in jail, resulting in a felony cost, in response to the outlet.
Rodriguez will seem for her arraignment Monday at 1:30 p.m. on the Fairfield Courthouse.
Bowen’s public memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Vacaville police introduced they’ll share it in a public livestream.
