Man Convicted in 2023 Killing Outside Santa Rosa Bar

Second jury finds Braulio Garcia III guilty of second-degree murder and assault charges.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After a previous jury failed to reach a verdict in September, a second jury this week found Braulio Garcia III guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 fatal stabbing of Asante VanDyke outside a Santa Rosa bar. Garcia was also convicted of three counts of assault with a deadly weapon for injuring VanDyke's three friends during the confrontation.

Why it matters

The case has been closely watched in the Santa Rosa community, with the initial mistrial raising concerns about the ability to secure justice for the victim's family. This conviction helps provide closure, though questions remain about the potential involvement of a second suspect who was never arrested.

The details

According to prosecutors, the fight was sparked by an argument inside the bar between VanDyke's friend and Garcia over the latter's girlfriend. The three suspects, including Garcia and two others, waited outside the bar for VanDyke and his friends, and one of the suspects caused a distraction that allowed Garcia to "sucker punch" VanDyke before stabbing him. Two of VanDyke's friends were also stabbed, and one was hit after another suspect fired a gun.

  • The incident occurred in the early morning hours of February 1, 2023.
  • Garcia's first trial ended in a mistrial in September 2023 with a split jury.
  • The second jury convicted Garcia on February 11, 2026.
  • Garcia is scheduled to return to court on February 18, 2026 for further discussions before sentencing.

The players

Braulio Garcia III

A Santa Rosa man convicted of second-degree murder and assault charges for the 2023 killing of Asante VanDyke outside a local bar.

Asante VanDyke

The victim who was fatally stabbed during the confrontation outside the bar.

Louis Robert Campos

A Santa Rosa resident identified as a suspect in the killing, but who was never arrested.

Richard Ponce

One of the three suspects identified in the killing's aftermath, who later pleaded no contest to two assault charges and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Rachel McAllister

Garcia's defense attorney, who argued that Campos was responsible for VanDyke's death.

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What they’re saying

“There is no justice if the wrong man is convicted.”

— Rachel McAllister, Defense Attorney (The Press Democrat)

“Everything points to (Garcia). Everything points to the defendant. Nothing points to Bobby.”

— Javier Vaca, Deputy District Attorney (The Press Democrat)

What’s next

Garcia is scheduled to return to court on February 18, 2026 for further discussions before his sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of securing justice in high-profile violent crimes, with the initial mistrial raising concerns about the judicial process. However, the conviction of Garcia provides some closure for the victim's family, even as questions remain about the potential involvement of a second suspect.