Murder Charges Filed in Shooting Death of Dairyman

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced murder and gun charges against Jorge Rivera, age 26, in the death of a Tulare County dairyman on September 3, 2019.

Rivera is charged with first-degree murder with the special allegations of personal use of a firearm (handgun), one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing an assault weapon which was found in his vehicle.

Rivera is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon at the county pre-trial facility where a future court date will be set. If convicted of all charges, Rivera faces life in prison.

“The taking of any human life is unacceptable. This senseless, violent, and horrific murder not only impacts a family, but an entire community,” stated District Attorney Tim Ward. “My office will be seeking the maximum sentence allowed under California law.”

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dan Underwood (559) 636-5494