Visalia Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

On December 4, 2024, in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced gang members Kyle Carranza, age 21, and Elias De La Hoz, age 21, to life in prison for the 2019 murder of a man in Visalia.

On June 26, 2019, officers responded to reports of a shooting where the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Through investigation and witness accounts, it was learned that a black Chevy Colorado was involved in the crime. The car was later located by officers in Goshen. During a traffic stop, two subjects fled the vehicle. De La Hoz was apprehended by a K-9 officer. The second subject was able to escape. Through further investigation, the California Highway Patrol located Carranza with a firearm during a later traffic stop in Visalia. It was determined that the defendants murdered the victim based on the color of a piece of clothing he was seen wearing while walking near his home.

Both were 16 at the time of the crime. In 2020, prosecutors argued for the case to be heard in adult criminal court.

On October 11, 2024, both Carranza and De La Hoz pleaded no contest to first-degree murder with special gang allegations. Carranza also plead to the special allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing death. In a separate case, while in custody in 2023, Carranza conspired to smuggle contraband into the jail facility.

According to current California sentencing laws, De La Hoz and Carranza must serve 25 years before being considered for parole.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494