Woman Who Shot And Killed Boyfriend After Learning He Molested Her Daughter Is Acquitted Of Murder, Could Face Manslaughter Charges

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Wendy Howard shot her boyfriend, Kelly Rees Pitts, after learning he had molested her teenage daughter.

Howard was acquitted last week of murder, but the Jury deadlocked on Voluntary Manslaughter. Howard is claiming self-defense. Howard had met Pitts after exiting her home and shot him.

After being acquitted of First degree murder, the jury considered second degree murder but voted against this.

While determining voluntary manslaughter, the jury deadlocked at seven votes for and five votes against. The two theories the jury came up with are;

• The first is Imperfect self-defense. This is where a person perceives that deadly force is needed but the situation did not actually call for it. The jury voted not guilty under this theory.
• Under the second theory, heat of passion, seven of the jurors believe that Howard killed Pitts after being provoked to an uncontrollable rage.

Howard will go back to court on November 18, 2022 where a decision is expected to be made if she will be retried.