Santa Rosa Man Found Guilty For 2023 Murder By A Second Jury

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A second jury has found a Santa Rosa man, Braulio Garcia III, guilty of second-degree murder for a fatal stabbing outside a local bar three years ago. Garcia was convicted Wednesday for the 2023 killing of Asante VanDyke after a previous trial in September ended in a deadlocked jury.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions, even with strong evidence, when juries are unable to reach a unanimous decision. The outcome also underscores the lasting impact of violent crimes on local communities.

The details

Prosecutors argued the attack outside Gary's at the Belvedere was sparked by a dispute over a girlfriend, while the defense maintained that a second suspect who was never caught was the actual killer. Garcia was also found guilty of three counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

• The fatal stabbing occurred in 2023 outside a local bar.
• Garcia's first trial ended in a deadlocked jury in September 2023.
• Garcia was convicted by a second jury on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

What’s next

Garcia is set to return to court next week for sentencing.