Santa Rosa Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2024 Shopping Center Shooting

Sonoma County prosecutors say the 43-year-old has been a "menace" to the community.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 7:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 43-year-old Santa Rosa man, Steven Carter Strawn, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for a 2024 shooting at the Dutton Plaza shopping center in Santa Rosa. Strawn was convicted on charges including attempted murder, assault with an assault weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Prosecutors say Strawn harassed mall patrons and passersby before firing multiple rounds from an illegal assault rifle at two victims, though no one was struck.

Why it matters

The sentencing highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in California communities, as well as the use of the state's Three Strikes Law to impose harsh sentences on repeat offenders.

The details

According to prosecutors, the incident began when Strawn harassed patrons of the mall and passersby on the nearby Joe Rodota Trail. When he was confronted by one of the victims, Strawn got into his friend's car and pulled out an illegal assault rifle. As his friend was driving, Strawn fired multiple rounds at the man and a second man who was trying to take a picture before the rifle jammed. A nearby police officer heard the shooting and found Strawn trying to clear a jammed round from the weapon in a nearby parking lot.

  • The shooting occurred on September 28, 2024 at the Dutton Plaza shopping center in Santa Rosa.
  • Strawn was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison on March 5, 2026.

The players

Steven Carter Strawn

A 43-year-old Santa Rosa man who was convicted on charges including attempted murder, assault with an assault weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the 2024 Dutton Plaza shopping center shooting.

Carla Rodriguez

The Sonoma County District Attorney, who stated that Strawn "has been a menace to our community throughout his adult life" and that the life sentence is a "just conclusion to this case."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mr. Strawn has been a menace to our community throughout his adult life.”

— Carla Rodriguez, Sonoma County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge's life sentence for Strawn is expected to provide some relief and comfort to the victims of the 2024 shooting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in California communities, as well as the use of the state's Three Strikes Law to impose harsh sentences on repeat offenders like Strawn who have been a "menace" to their local area.