Further Information Requested in Downtown Death

The Office of the District Attorney is requesting further investigation regarding an early morning December 24, 2021, incident in downtown Visalia that resulted in the death of a 21-year-old victim.

“We have not yet been provided with the necessary information to make a decision regarding possible criminal charges,” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jessica Weatherly. “Most importantly, we have not received any medical records from Kaweah Health Medical Facility or the formal autopsy findings. As we have stated before, our burden of proof requires that we have all necessary information with sufficient time to analyze it before we make a filing decision.”

On January 3, 2022, the Office of the District Attorney received investigative reports involving a single suspect. Early reporting stating the “…victim was assaulted by a group of individuals” is erroneous. According to submitted reports, the victim suffered a single punch to the head. Witnesses reported he fell, hitting his head on the street.

The Office will update the public when a filing decision is made.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jessica Weatherly (559) 636-5494