Life Sentence for Attempted Murder, Sexual Assault
Yesterday in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Wesley Anderson, age 24, to life in prison for attempted murder and sexual assault.
On November 2, 2022, Visalia Police Department officers responded to a 911 call of an assault in progress. When officers arrived at the residence, they contacted an adult female outside covered in blood with major facial injuries. Officers could hear another female nearby screaming. As officers approached the house, a second adult female opened the front door with her hands zip tied. Anderson had already fled the scene.
Through investigation, it was learned that Anderson intended to kill one victim and sexually assault the other. Anderson initially hid in a closet and attacked the first victim, beating her and stabbing her with a pocketknife, before zip tying his second victim and assaulting her. The assault lasted approximately 20 seconds before police arrived. Anderson was known to both victims.
Anderson was apprehended shortly after in Barstow as he attempted to make his way to Las Vegas.
On February 16, 2024, Anderson pleaded guilty to pre-meditated attempted murder with the special allegations of great bodily injury and use of a deadly weapon, assault to commit a felony during a burglary with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and sexual assault by force with the special allegations that he kidnapped the victim, did so during a burglary, and inflicted great bodily injury.
According to current California sentencing laws, Anderson must serve 25 years in prison prior to receiving a parole hearing. In addition to his sentence, Anderson must register as a sex offender for life.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Weatherly.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Jessica Weatherly (559) 701-2000