Solano County Judge Sets October Trial Date for Officer Matthew Bowen Homicide Case

A Solano County judge has scheduled an October trial for Serena CJ Rodriguez, who is accused of the 2024 DUI-related death of Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 10:39 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from East Bay Times

Upcoming Court Dates and Trial Management

In addition to the primary trial date, Judge Gutierrez scheduled several key hearings to ensure the case remains on track for the October proceedings. Rodriguez is required to return to Department 9 of the Solano County Superior Court on May 4 and again on September 28 for trial confirmation hearings. Furthermore, a trial management conference has been set for 8:30 a.m. on October 19, just prior to the expected commencement of the jury trial. These dates provide a structured timeline for both the prosecution and the defense to finalize their evidence and witness lists.

Background of the Fatal 2024 Incident

The charges against Rodriguez stem from the DUI-related death of Officer Matthew Bowen, who was serving as a motorcycle police officer for the Vacaville Police Department at the time of the incident. Bowen was reportedly struck while performing a traffic stop, leading to catastrophic injuries that resulted in his death. A Solano County grand jury previously indicted Rodriguez on charges related to the killing, following an investigation that pointed to driving under the influence as a primary factor in the collision.

Legal Representation and Grand Jury Indictment

Serena Rodriguez made her first appearance in the Fairfield courtroom in July 2024, where she was flanked by Chief Public Defender Dan Messner. The grand jury indictment formally accused her of the officer's death, elevating the case to a superior court trial. The defense has been preparing for the trial for over a year and a half, as the case has moved through various stages of the Solano County judicial system. The upcoming October trial will focus on the evidence regarding the defendant's state of impairment and the circumstances surrounding the fatal impact on the Vacaville officer.