Santa Rosa Felon Sentenced To 50 Years To Life Under Three Strikes Law For Shopping Center Shooting

Santa Rosa felon Steven Strawn sentenced to 50 years to life under Three Strikes Law for 2024 attempted murder at Dutton Plaza. Read the full court report.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:28 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from the East Bay Times.

A Santa Rosa man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced on Wednesday for a violent encounter at a local shopping center. Steven Carter Strawn, 43, received a sentence of 50 years to life from Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Lynnette Brown. The sentencing follows a November 2025 conviction on charges including two counts of attempted murder, assault with an assault weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Strawn's severe penalty was driven by California’s Three Strikes Law, as he entered the trial with three prior serious or violent felony convictions on his record.

The incident occurred on September 28, 2024, at Dutton Plaza, located near the Joe Rodota Trail. According to prosecutors, Strawn arrived at the plaza and began harassing patrons and individuals utilizing the nearby trail. When a victim confronted Strawn and asked him to leave the area, Strawn retreated to the passenger seat of a friend's vehicle. As the car drove away, Strawn opened fire with an illegal assault rifle, discharging multiple rounds toward the bystanders. Fortunately, no one was struck by the gunfire, and authorities noted the weapon jammed after several rounds were fired.

Law enforcement responded almost immediately, as a Santa Rosa Police officer in the vicinity heard the shots. The officer located Strawn in a nearby parking lot while he was still attempting to clear the jammed rifle from the open trunk of the vehicle. During his trial, Strawn attempted to deflect blame by testifying that an unidentified third person was responsible for the shooting. However, jurors rejected this defense, finding him guilty of all six counts brought against him.

Strawn was not the only individual held accountable for the afternoon shooting. His associate, 45-year-old Jared Ambrose, was also arrested in connection with the case. Ambrose was sentenced in late 2025 to four years and eight months in prison for assault with an assault weapon and illegal possession of a firearm. The case has been cited by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office as a critical application of sentencing enhancements intended to remove violent, repeat offenders from the community.

With the sentencing of Strawn, the legal proceedings regarding the Dutton Plaza incident have concluded. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for felons in possession of illegal w...