The Significance of the Murder Charge in Officer Bowen’s Death
On Monday, the Solano County District Attorney charged 24 year-old Serena Rodriguez with the murder of Vacaville Police Officer Matt Bowen.
A murder charge is significant because it carries more punishment than the lesser manslaughter charges which are usually filed in vehicular death cases. Murder of a peace officer in California can technically earn the death penalty, although death penalty sentences are not being carried out under Governor Newsom.
The difference between murder and manslaughter all comes down to intent.
Intentionally killing someone is murder. Killing someone as a result of negligence is manslaughter.
The District Attorney’s murder charge indicates she believes there is enough evidence to show Rodriguez intended to kill Officer Bowen when Rodriguez struck Bowen with her vehicle. Evidence can include physical evidence, digital evidence, witness statements and statements made by Rodriguez herself.
In court, Rodriguez is presumed innocent until proven guilty. To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor will have to convince a jury that Rodriguez killed Officer Bowen AND that she intended to do so.
We won’t know all the details of the case until court proceedings advance, but the District Attorney’s decision to pursue murder charges shows the circumstances of this tragedy likely involve more than just a traffic “accident.”
My thoughts and prayers remain with Officer Bowen’s family and the Vacaville Police Department during their time of loss. See ways you can support the Bowen Family.
Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney. I have been a police officer outside of Solano County for over 16 years, three years as a detective. This is general commentary on what’s publicly known about the case.
