Parole Again Denied for Tulare Defendant in Drive-By Murder

On January 30, 2024, via a virtual hearing, TCDA prosecutors argued against parole for Jose Maria Ramirez, age 44, for second-degree murder committed in 2000. Parole commissioners denied his parole for three years. Ramirez is currently serving a life sentence at Avenal State Prison.

Between January 28 and January 29, 2000, in Tulare, Ramirez and co-defendant Juan Pineda returned to a house party that they had left earlier after being involved in an altercation. Ramirez drove a car while Pineda, who was in the passenger’s seat, fired several shots at partygoers outside of the residence. One shot went through the front door striking a male victim, who later died. Ramirez and Pineda were arrested a few hours later by the Tulare Police Department.

In March of 2001, Ramirez was found guilty of second-degree murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and discharge of a firearm from a moving vehicle at another person. He was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. Pineda, who pleaded no contest to murder and firearm charges, is currently serving a 40-year sentence in state prison.

This was Ramirez’s second parole hearing. At his first hearing in 2015, parole was denied for seven years.

The District Attorney’s Office routinely attends parole hearings. In this case, TCDA prosecutors and victim advocates assisted family members of the victim to present impact statements to parole commissioners during the hearing.

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