Exeter Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Third Strike

On Friday April 8, 2022, in Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, the court sentenced Jimmy Reed, age 47, to life in prison for violent crimes. On May 27, 2021, a jury found Reed guilty of attempted murder, assault, domestic violence, and attempted criminal threats. Numerous charges are enhanced with special allegations that Reed caused great bodily injury. The conviction constituted Reed’s third strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.

After midnight on May 21, 2020, at a gas station on Lovers Lane in Visalia, the adult female victim was putting gas in her vehicle. Reed, her ex-boyfriend, approached her and demanded a ride. The victim began driving with the intent of taking Reed to the Visalia Police Department. During an argument about past instances of domestic violence and relationships, Reed verbally threatened the victim, punched her multiple times in the head, put her in a headlock, and choked her with both hands. The victim was eventually able to stop the car, but lost consciousness. Reed then fled the vehicle. The victim’s injuries included a swollen forehead, bruised cheeks, a concussion, and bleeding from her ears. Reed was taken into custody by Exeter police officers a few days later.

Reed possesses two prior strikes for carjacking causing great bodily injury with a deadly weapon (1998) and assault while in custody with great bodily injury (2003).

Under current California sentencing laws, Reed will not be eligible for parole for 30 years.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Michael Caldwell and was investigated by the Visalia 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