Charges Filed in DUI Death of Cyclist

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against Manuel Mesa, age 40, in the DUI death of a female cyclist that occurred on September 11, 2019, in Visalia.

Mesa is charged with one count of murder, one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of driving while privilege suspended with prior convictions. The counts are enhanced with special allegations that Mesa possesses one prior strike conviction as well as numerous prior felony convictions, and that he fled the scene of the crime. Due to Mesa’s extensive criminal history, if convicted of all charges, he faces life in prison.

Mesa is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon at the county pre-trial facility where a future court date will be set. 

If you see or suspect DUI on the road, call 911 immediately.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Robert Dempsie (559) 636-5494