Exeter Man Who Buried His Wife Alive Stipulates to Parole Denial

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Salinas Valley State Prison, the Office of the District Attorney, along with representatives of the victim’s family, attended a scheduled parole hearing for Cesar Navarro, age 42, for the 1998 murder of his wife. The Office of the District Attorney was prepared to argue for the maximum denial of 15 years.

According to representatives of the parole board, a three-year stipulation denial was agreed to with Navarro and no formal hearing was conducted.

On December 16, 1998, in the city of Exeter, Navarro stabbed his 20-year-old wife multiple times in the head and neck with a screwdriver. Knowing that his wife was still alive after the attack, he buried her in the backyard of their home. Her body was found two-weeks later after family members filed a missing persons report and had been searching for her. At his initial parole hearing in 2014, Navarro said he committed the crime due to perceived infidelity. The victim’s family said that she would often talk about Navarro’s violence with her. Navarro was convicted of her murder in 2000 and sentenced to life in prison. Navarro was convicted of domestic violence a few months prior to the murder.

“While we certainly agree that denial of parole was appropriate in this case, I am disappointed that the office could not stand alongside this family and argue for a lengthy denial. It is my commitment that we will continue to attend and give voice to victims and their families at these hearings,” said District Attorney Tim Ward.

This was scheduled be Navarro’s second parole hearing.  

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Robert Dempsie (559) 636-5494