Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/18/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: Mary K. Maxeiner

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

PAROLE DENIED FOR CONVICTED MURDERER

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that on April 15, 2005, the Board of Prison Terms denied parole to convicted murderer John Howard Morris III. In 1984 Morris was convicted of Second Degree Murder and attempted murder by a Sonoma County jury. He was sentenced to prison for the term of 21 years to life.

On April 11, 1981, Morris picked up two fifteen year old hitchhikers, Barbara and Wendy, and took them to his home. He provided alcohol and marijuana to the girls and two juvenile boys. After taking the boys home, Morris brought the young girls back to his house. He lured Wendy into the house while Barbara sat in Morris’ truck. When Barbara heard Wendy scream, she ran to the house and found Morris holding a gun.

Wendy attempted to run. Morris shot Wendy in the back, killing her instantly. Barbara was shot in the arm as she cowered on the porch. Morris dragged Barbara into the house, held the gun to her head and pulled the trigger. The gun misfired and Barbara was able to escape. Morris was later found nearby, hiding under a pile of wood with the gun in his hand.

In denying parole to Morris, the parole board considered the facts of the case, Morris’ disciplinary record while in prison, and testimony given by Barbara and members of Wendy’s family. The Board determined Morris is not fit to be released into the community. The Board also determined that it will be four years before Morris will be eligible for another hearing. Deputy District Attorney Mary Maxeiner handled the matter on behalf of the District Attorney.