Exeter Man Convicted of Murder of Cousin
On January 18, 2018, in Department 19 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, Judge Antonio Reyes presiding, a jury convicted Patrick Lee Baca, age 41, of Exeter, of second-degree murder for his involvement in the stabbing death of his cousin. Baca has previously been convicted of armed robbery of a taxi driver in 2001and battery causing serious injury in 1998. Both convictions are considered “strikes” under California’s “Three Strikes Law.”
In the evening of July 26, 2015, at a gathering in Porterville, an argument began amongst Baca’s family. Baca brandished a knife and punched the victim, a 37-year-old male, and knocked him to the ground. When Baca and the victim got to their feet, a juvenile cousin stabbed the victim once in the chest, piercing his heart. The victim died at the scene from massive blood loss. Both Baca and the juvenile fled, but were later arrested by law enforcement. The juvenile’s case has been adjudicated in juvenile court.
Sentencing is set for February 16, 2018, in Tulare County Superior Court where Baca faces 55 years-to-life in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eric Scott of the Special Crimes Division and investigated by the Porterville Police Department.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494