Guilty Verdict Reached in 2022 Murder

Today in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against Francisco Rodriguez, 27, for murder.

On August 7, 2022, at about 1:30 am, Rodriguez and others got into a confrontation with another group inside of a gas station on Lovers Lane in Visalia. A fight ensued, which eventually spilled out into the parking lot. As one group ran to their car, Rodriguez, in possession of a handgun, fired six rounds at the group, killing an adult male attempting to leave in the car. The entirety of the incident was caught on surveillance video.

Soon after, Rodriguez fled to Mexico, but was apprehended at the border in June 2023.

At trial, Rodriguez was convicted of second-degree murder with the special allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, causing death.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2024, in Superior Court where Rodriguez faces life in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Kalina Laleva and was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.

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