Tulare County Murder Parolee Re-offends, Denied Parole

On June 27, 2024, via a virtual hearing, TCDA prosecutors successfully argued against parole suitability for Annette Batten, age 61, after reoffending as a parolee. Batten is currently incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.

In 2017, over the objection of TCDA prosecutors, Batten was paroled after serving two decades in prison for the 1995 murder of her husband in Tulare. In that crime, Batten stabbed the victim as he tried to remove their children from their home during an argument. In 1996, she was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.

After being paroled, Batten relocated to San Francisco. In 2021, Batten was involved in a DUI with a BAC of .22%. Despite this violation, parole officers were never notified. In 2023, Batten assaulted a 71-year-old roommate with a “billy club” and caused great bodily injury. She was referred to Parole Revocation Court, where she was placed back into the custody of CDCR for her propensity for violence, her inability to control her anger, her lack of impulse control, and a substance abuse problem.

At last week’s hearing, commissioners noted that Batten had not sufficiently come to terms with her behavior. Pursuant to PC 3000.1, a new hearing will be set within the year. The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends parole hearings and a deputy district attorney argued against the inmate’s release in this case.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494