Parole Again Denied in 1991 Attempted Murder of Tulare County Superior Court Judge

On May 29, 2025, via video conference, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3 year denial of parole for Harry Bodine, age 79, of Visalia. Bodine has been incarcerated since 1992 for the attempted murder of a now retired Tulare County Superior Court judge. Bodine is currently housed at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

On May 4, 1991, Bodine entered a Visalia courtroom carrying a briefcase. As the court was in session, Bodine rose from his seat in the public gallery and fired a single shot from a .357 revolver at the judge, who was seated on the bench. The shot missed and Bodine was immediately taken into custody. It was discerned through investigation and at trial that Bodine was upset at the judge over a decision to allow a defendant probation if she used a birth control implant. Bodine had no connection to the defendant or any party in that case.

In 1992, a jury convicted Bodine of attempted murder of a government official, attempted murder, possession of a weapon in a courtroom, and second-degree burglary. The court sentenced him to 18 years-to-life.

This was Bodine’s seventh parole hearing. In July 2021, a parole board found Bodine suitable for release. TCDA prosecutors appealed to the Governor’s office, which then referred Bodine’s suitability finding to the full California parole board for review. The full board rescinded the suitability finding, and Bodine was once again denied parole in 2022.

At this hearing, parole commissioners noted that Bodine showed limited awareness as to the seriousness of the crime and that he maintains a danger to the public.

The Office of the District Attorney routinely attends life parole hearings and prosecutors argued against the inmate’s release in this case.

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