Homicide Investigation
June 6, 2023 - Lassen County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 3rd, 2023, at approximately 12:51 P.M. (1251 hours), Deputies 
from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on the 200 block of Elm Street in Westwood, Ca for a report of a shooting.
While enroute, Dispatch advised responding deputies that a male subject had been shot in the alleyway behind a residence and that the female suspect was still on scene.
Upon arrival, Deputies immediately detained the female suspect. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) also arrived on scene and assisted in securing the area and coordinated a medical response to treat the victim. Engines from Cal-Fire, Westwood Fire, and an ambulance from Peninsula Fire Department responded and attempted lifesaving efforts on the victim. After approximately 30 minutes, lifesaving efforts were stopped and the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim was identified as Austin Andrew Howell, 25, of Westwood. Howell suffered from a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.
The suspect was identified as Melanie Ann Hines, 41, of Westwood. LCSO Deputies placed Hines under arrest for 187(a) PC- Second Degree Murder. Hines was transported to the Lassen County Jail. Her bail is set at $1,000,000.
Detectives from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and are actively investigating the incident as a Homicide. The investigation is still in the preliminary stages; however, it has been determined that Domestic Violence may have played a role in this incident.
The Sheriff’s Office would like the citizens of Westwood to know that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety at this time.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Highway Patrol, United States Forest Service, Cal-Fire, Westwood Fire, and Peninsula Fire for their assistance.
If anyone has any information regarding this case, you are urged to contact the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office at 530-257-6121.
Source: Lassen County Sheriff's Office
