Zella Latrice Holmes, a 40-year-old resident of Atwater, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and related charges in the shooting death of her longtime partner at a Ceres motel. The arraignment took place in Stanislaus County Superior Court before Judge Valli Israels.
Prosecutors allege that Holmes shot and killed Franklin Martin, 38, also from Atwater, on September 25 inside a room at the Howard Johnson Inn located on Herndon Road. Deputy District Attorney Harshan Samra requested bail be set at $2 million, which was granted by Judge Israels. Holmes’ public defender, Donnell Snipes, said he would address bail arguments at a later date.
Holmes waived her right to a speedy preliminary hearing. The case is scheduled for an early case management conference on December 1 at 8:30 a.m.
The criminal complaint charges Holmes with murder with premeditation and a firearm enhancement, two counts of child endangerment, and felony evasion. Prosecutors allege she intentionally fired the handgun that killed Martin and endangered a child while fleeing police.
Holmes was arrested after officers found Martin dead from a single gunshot wound in the motel room. Police say she led them on a pursuit into Ceres before being apprehended in a Food 4 Less parking lot. A child who was in the vehicle was placed into Child Protective Services custody.
After the hearing, Samra confirmed the details of the charges and asked for public assistance: “She’s charged with one count of homicide with premeditation and deliberation, two counts of child abuse and evading law enforcement,” Samra said. “If anybody has any information of Ms. Holmes on the 25th of this month, we would strongly encourage them to contact Detective Peterson.”
Samra declined to comment on whether the firearm recovered at the scene was linked to Holmes due to the ongoing investigation.
Snipes gave a brief statement outside court: “We plead not guilty to all charges. I have no comments because I have not yet read the reports.”
Holmes remains held at Stanislaus County jail pending further proceedings.
