Jared Boyce charged with the murder of his mother in law in cold case from 2007 retains private attorney, defense expects case to proceed next year

On October 15, Jared Boyce was arraigned for the murder of Stephanie Fowler. Private attorney Michael Robinson made a special appearance on October 15. Visiting Judge David Flinn subbed in for Judge Joyce Hinrichs.

Jared Boyce is charged with a felony, only one Count, murder, 187 (a). The complaint alleges that in April 2007, Jared Damian Boyce "who did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder Stephanie Lee Fowler, a human being."

Today,  Boyce's arraignment was continued and completed. Mr. Robinson confirmed that he had been retained as counsel. Deputy District Attorney David Christiansen is prosecuting the case.

Boyce entered a plea of not guilty. Entered a time waiver for both the 10 and 60 day requirement. " We are waiving bail without prejudice at this time," Mr. Robinson told Judge Hinrichs this afternoon.

Mr. Robinson also made a formal discovery request in court. He had sent a letter to Mr. Christiansen.

Mr. Robinson told Judge Hinrichs that the case stemmed from a "missing person report in 2007, the body was recovered in 2009, an arrest just last week, I anticipate the records are probably lengthy and voluminous."

Mr. Robinson asked for a date to be set for a review of status of discovery, Mr. Christiansen concurred. Judge Hinrichs said that she was not going to set a date for review of discovery, that is something that should be happening informally, but that a date for setting for preliminary hearing would be scheduled. If there were still discovery issues, Mr. Robinson could file a formal motion.

Mr. Robinson said that "I am anticipating this matter to proceed after the first of the year."

Next court date for setting of preliminary hearing is on November 16 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 5.

Oct 13, 2015

Arrest made for the murder of Stephanie Fowler

                                                                          
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on today’s date, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested Jared Damien Boyce, 27, of Fortuna, for the murder of Stephanie Lee Fowler. 

Stephanie was reported as a missing person on May 26, 2007 from the Loleta area.  She was last seen on April 20, 2007 at a cigarette shop in Loleta.  Stephanie had a history for disappearing for several days at a time but it was unusual for her to be gone for this length of time. 

On August 30, 2009, skeletal human remains were discovered in an uninhabited structure on Old Indianola Rd in Loleta.  Forensic testing was completed and determined the remains belonged to Stephanie Lee Fowler.  At this time the manner of death is not being disclosed.

After a lengthy investigation, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Investigators determined Jared Damien Boyce, son-in-law to the decedent, was responsible for Stephanie Lee Fowler’s murder.  A Ramey warrant was issued for Boyce.  On today’s date, investigators observed Boyce leaving his place of employment in Eureka.  A traffic stop was conducted on Boyce and he was taken into custody without incident.  Boyce was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was book for PC187 – Murder.  His bail is set at $1,000,000.