For the fourth time, the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) has denied the release of Janetta Leiva, the convicted murderer who took the life of her three-month-old son.

For the fourth time, the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) has denied the release of Janetta Leiva, the convicted murderer who took the life of her three-month-old son.

Representing the DA’s Office at the hearing and requesting the denial was Supervising Deputy DA David McKillop.

On October 6, 1994, Leiva killed the victim by throwing his body up against the furniture and kitchen sink. Leiva lived in the Tehachapi area and had four minor children. Leiva was a frequent drug user and was under the influence of methamphetamine the night before the murder.

On the morning of the murder, Leiva wrapped a curling iron cord around the crying baby’s neck and walked out of the room. The victim’s 6-year-old sister grabbed a chair, climbed into the victim’s crib, and removed the cord from his neck. The victim continued to cry. Leiva returned to the bedroom and took the victim into another room. The victim’s sister heard the baby screaming and three loud “bang” sounds. Leiva returned with the victim and placed him back into the crib. The victim’s sister said that after Leiva placed the victim back into the crib, she spanked him hard one last time.

On March 21, 1995, in a case prosecuted by now DA Cynthia Zimmer, a Kern County Jury found Leiva guilty of first-degree murder and found that Leiva was sane at the time she committed the murder of her three-month-old infant. Leiva was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.

The recent parole hearing focused on Leiva’s failure to take domestic violence rehabilitation classes. She also has not had any counseling or taken any classes addressing recent claims of sexual abuse trauma. The Kern County DA’s Office asked the BPH to deny parole. Ultimately, the BPH issued a three-year denial.

DA Zimmer commented; “The pursuit for justice doesn’t end at sentencing. More than 30 years after the conviction and through four parole hearings, we remain committed to accountability and will continue to stand firm in our efforts to protect public safety.”