NAPA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
1127 First Street, Suite C
Napa, CA 94559
Main: (707) 253-4211
Fax: (707) 253-4041
www.countyofnapa.org/da
ALLISON HALEY
District Attorney
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2018
PRESS RELEASE
CONVICTED MURDERER RANDALL MALUENDA DENIED PAROLE
Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced that Randall Maluenda, aged 62, was denied parole after a December 11, 2018 hearing before the Board of Parole Hearings at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad Prison. Maluenda was found guilty in 1979 of Second Degree Murder and Personal Use of a Firearm at a court trial by Hon. Thomas Konsgaard.
In 1979, Maluenda murdered Holly Ganir, a 21 year old college student at Pacific Union College in Angwin. Maluenda shot his ex-girlfriend six times, ultimately killing her when she tried to retrieve her belongings from him. Maluenda stalked and terrorized the victim after a brief 5 month relationship ended. Six weeks prior to the murder, Maluenda was caught with a loaded handgun, ski mask, gloves and bullets engraved with the victim’s name. He was punished, but purchased a second gun that was ultimately used in the murder.
In 2012 and 2014, the Board found Maluenda suitable for parole. Their decision was overruled by Governor Jerry Brown both times. In 2016, the Board denied parole for three years. Assistant District Attorney Paul Gero appeared at the December 11, 2018 parole hearing and argued against release. He emphasized the callousness of the attack and lack of insight in to the crime.
The members of the Parole Board agreed that Maluenda continues to pose an unreasonable risk of danger to the community if released. The Board denied release for three years.
The Napa County District Attorney’s Office sends a representative to every parole hearing for defendants serving a life sentence for a Napa crime. District Attorney Allison Haley stated that, "Our obligation to Holly Ganir and her family has not changed since her murder in 1979. Our office is committed to honoring her life, remembering her name and bringing justice to her family who still grieve her loss. She was loved and is acutely missed."
Any questions regarding this case may be directed to Assistant District Attorney Paul Gero.