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Following hearing, judge to rule on Wendy Howard case in March

After last year's trial, the jury was deadlocked on one charge of manslaughter in the heat of passion.
Wendy Howard (FILE)
Posted at 8:23 AM, Feb 21, 2023
and last updated 2023-02-21 15:04:39-05

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — New details in the hearing for a new trial against Wendy Howard, the Tehachapi woman found not guilty of first-degree murder last year in the death of her ex-boyfriend.

In the original trial, the jury was deadlocked on a charge of manslaughter in the heat of passion in the death of Kelly Reese Pitts. The district attorney's office decided to re-try Howard on that charge.

Tuesday morning judge Elizabet Rodriguez said she would hear arguments for dismissal and review. She said she won't deliver a decision until March 21.

If it goes to trial, that's not expected to take place until at least April.

Howard remains out of custody.

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