Parole Denied in 1999 Cutler Murder

At a virtual hearing on June 24, 2025, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Angel Garcia, age 44, for the murder of a man in Cutler in 1999. Garcia is currently serving a life sentence at Salinas Valley State Prison.

On December 1, 1999, Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of a deceased male in front of a Cutler residence. It was discovered the man had been shot to death. Through investigation and witness accounts, detectives learned that after a series of altercations, Garcia, 18 years old at the time, shot at the victim and chased him down, including jumping over a fence to get to him. Garcia shot the victim four times, with three shots coming after the victim was on the ground.  Six days later, Garcia turned himself in. While in custody, Garcia admitted to the killing to a fellow inmate.

In late 2000, a Tulare County jury convicted Garcia of first-degree murder with the use of a firearm, and that he was a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 50 years-to-life in prison. The case was prosecuted by current Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos.

This was Garcia’s first parole hearing, which was granted due to his youthful offender status. Commissioners noted Garcia’s poor peer relationships and repeated rules infractions as factors in his denial. The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings, and a Deputy District Attorney argued against the inmate’s release in this case.

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