Courtesy of Placer County District Attorney

ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) — California law generally limits the information a District Attorney’s Office can publicly disclose about juvenile cases. Unlike adult criminal cases, juvenile proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality requirements that significantly limit what prosecutors may disclose publicly. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827.5 provides a limited exception allowing law enforcement agencies, upon request, to disclose the name of a juvenile aged 14 or older arrested for a serious felony and the alleged offense. That provision does not expressly authorize a District Attorney’s Office to announce that a juvenile petition has been filed.  

Given the severity of this crime and the overwhelming public safety interest, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office can confirm that the homicide of Cherie Dodge of Roseville is within its jurisdiction.  However, California’s juvenile confidentiality laws limit the case-specific information the office may disclose, and we cannot provide further details at this time. 

California law prevents any minor under 16 years of age at the time of the offense from being prosecuted as an adult for any crime, including murder, with a limited exception when the person is not apprehended until after reaching adulthood. In 2018, the Legislature enacted SB 1391, which eliminated the transfer of 14- and 15-year-olds to adult criminal court, subject to that narrow statutory exception. Juveniles aged 16 and 17 may be considered for adult prosecution through a judicial transfer process. That determination is based on the minor’s age at the time of the alleged offense. 

Our office remains committed to accountability under the law, supporting victims and their families, and protecting public safety while complying with the legal requirements and limitations governing juvenile cases. Cherie’s family is supported by a Senior Deputy District Attorney and a Victim Advocate from the Victim Services Unit of the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.