On June 3, 2023, at approximately 12:51 p.m., deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting at a residence on the 200 block of Elm Street in Westwood, California. Dispatch informed the deputies en route that a male individual had been shot in the alleyway behind the residence and that the female suspect remained at the scene.
Upon arrival, deputies detained 41-year-old Westwood resident Melanie Ann Hines. Officers from the California Highway Patrol assisted in securing the area and coordinating medical aid for the victim, identified as 25-year-old Austin Andrew Howell, also of Westwood. Despite approximately 30 minutes of life-saving efforts by emergency personnel from CalFire, Westwood Fire, and the Peninsula Fire Department, Howell, who had sustained a single gunshot wound to the abdomen, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hines was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and transported to the Lassen County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. Detectives initiated a homicide investigation, considering the possibility that domestic violence played a role in the incident. The Sheriff's Office assured Westwood residents that this appeared to be an isolated event with no ongoing threat to public safety. They also expressed gratitude to the California Highway Patrol, United States Forest Service, CalFire, Westwood Fire, and Peninsula Fire for their assistance.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Lassen County Sheriff's Office at (530) 257-6121.
