Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/08/2008

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Hilary Moores - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

CONVICTED MURDERER DENIED PAROLE FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that during a Parole Board hearing on September 30, 2008, sixteen years after Rena Hess was convicted of Second Degree Murder in the stabbing death of her child’s grandmother, the Parole Board determined that she is not fit to be released in the community.

In April 1992, Hess, who worked as a prostitute, was living with the grandmother of her five-year-old child, seventy-year-old Eleanor Maxfield in a residence on Sonoma Highway in Santa Rosa.  Hess and the victim knew each other for at least five years.  On April 28, 1992, Hess ingested alcohol and methamphetamine and got into an argument with a man at the residence about paying for a debt with sex.  After the man left, Hess was enraged at the victim for not complying with her demand to call the police and for disapproving of Hess’ life-style.  Hess attacked Ms. Maxfield with a knife, stabbing her thirty four times. Ms. Maxfield was found lying in a pool of blood in her home.  When initially interviewed by the police, Hess denied knowing anything about the murder. She later confessed. 

Hess pled no contest to murder in the second degree and was sentenced to a term of 15 years to life in prison.

On September 30, 2008 the Parole Board held a  held a hearing to evaluate whether Hess is suitable for release.  After reviewing the probation report, victim impact letters, and Hess’s disciplinary records in prison the Board determined Hess is not fit to be in the community.  The Board further declared that Hess will not be eligible for another hearing for five years. 

Deputy District Attroney Marianna Green handled this matter for the People.