Capitola Killer Denied Parole For 11th Time

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A man convicted in a 1978 brutal murder of a Capitola woman has been denied parole — for the 11th time.

Richard Ornellas, now 79, was convicted in the death of 64-year-old retired waitress Santina Pawsey. On July 25, 1978, Ornellas, who was an acquaintance of the victim, went to her trailer at the Surf & Sand Mobile Home Park on 47th Avenue. Shortly after he arrived, an argument ensued and he then bound, strangled and beat Pawsey to death with his bare hands, according to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office.

A jury convicted Ornellas of murder in March of the following year and he was sentenced to life in prison.

Ornellas had been discharged from parole from San Mateo County one month prior to murdering Pawsey. He had an extensive criminal history that included assaulting women and sexual assault of a minor girl.

Ornellas was diagnosed as a sexual psychopath due to these crimes, according to the DA's office. Since his incarceration, he has shown violent and combative behavior toward other inmates and prison employees, the DA's office said.

Regarding the parole board’s decision to deny release for Ornellas, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Murphy said, “Mr. Ornellas continues to show violent and aggressive behavior to those around him and his release would jeopardize the safety of the public. The board has made the correct and proper decision in denying his parole.”

“My office fully concurs with the Board’s decision to keep this dangerous man behind bars where he cannot terrorize the members, especially women, of our communities," said Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey S. Rosell. "While the victim’s family still mourns and grieves the loss of their loved one, we hope they can find solace in knowing that justice continues to be served and the defendant will continue to be held accountable for his heinous actions.”

Ornellas's parole hearing was held in early October in front of a panel for the California Board of Prison Terms at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, where he is being housed.