Arrests Made, Murder Charge Filed in 2023 Dinuba Homicide

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, after thorough investigation, criminal investigators from the Tulare County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations arrested a male juvenile, age 16, for the November 2023 murder of Dinuba man Sergio Martin. The juvenile defendant is charged with murder and the special allegations of burglary, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, and use of a firearm. Additionally, the defendant is charged with misdemeanor receiving stolen property. The defendant was arraigned in Tulare County Juvenile Court on Friday, April 24, 2024.

It is alleged in the early morning hours of November 6, 2023, the defendant shot the victim to death during a burglary in the victim’s home.

Under California law, the juvenile cannot be tried as an adult because he was 15 years old at the time of the crime. State law also dictates that the juvenile can only remain in custody until the age of 25 if convicted.

No further information can be disclosed at this time.

Additionally, two adult defendants, Jorge Arrieta, age 21, and Joseph Garcia, age 20, are charged with felony second-degree burglary and felony accessory after the fact. Arrieta is further charged with misdemeanor receiving stolen property. The men are charged for their alleged conduct of entering the victim’s house after the murder occurred.

Both were arrested without incident on April 26, 2024, by the Tulare County District Attorney Bureau of Investigations with the assistance of the Dinuba Police Department and the Reedley Police Department. Arrieta remains in custody and is scheduled for arraignment today. Garcia posted bail and will return to court on May 22, 2024, for arraignment.

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