Still waiting for plea in murder case

The 28 -year old man accused of killing a spectator at the Causeway Classic in September has yet to issue a plea to involuntary manslaughter charges.

Edward James Martinez of Woodland was charged in the death of Steven Lucas Fowler, 21, of Healdsburg. Fowler died as a result of head injuries received while attempting to break up a fight at the Sept. 18 football game.

After being treated for severe head injury at UC Davis Medical Center and released one week later, Fowler suffered a relapse at home and later died at Sutter Medical Center in Santa Rosa.

Police said the fight took place in the parking lot during half-time of the game between CSUS and UC Davis. Neither man was a student at either school.

Martinez could face a jail sentence of up to four years, should he be found guilty. Martinez surrendered to police Oct. 1 and was released on $10,000 bail Oct. 7.

According to Deputy District Attorney Tim Frawley, Martinez has refused to talk with police regarding his involvement in the incident.

The parties will convene again Dec. 22 to set a date for a preliminary hearing, at which time Martinez is required to issue a plea.