Visalia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Juliet Boccone sentenced Andres Ybarra, age 35, to life in prison for murder. On September 13, 2019, a jury found Ybarra guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 26-year-old girlfriend.

On the morning of July 1, 2016, the victim was found by emergency personnel at the couple’s home in bed. Ybarra claimed that she had overdosed on prescription medication. An autopsy on July 5 revealed massive internal injuries including four broken ribs, lacerations to her liver, a ruptured kidney, and damage to the renal artery. Additionally, she had hemorrhaging in her neck and head, a broken bone in her neck indicating strangulation, a black eye, and a broken nose. The cause of death was attributed to strangulation and blunt force trauma. Ybarra was arrested the next day.

Under current California law, Ybarra must serve 15 years before he is eligible for parole. 

The case was prosecuted by deputy district attorney Kirk Davis of the Special Crimes Division and was investigated by Agent Mona Whaley of the Visalia Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494