Life Sentence for Elder Murder
Today in Department 18 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, the court sentenced Anthony Barra, age 27, to life in prison for murder.
At approximately 6:15 am on January 20, 2022, Tulare Police Department officers responded to a trailer home fully engulfed in flames. Neighbors told officers a 74-year-old female resided in the trailer. Fire and emergency personnel located the deceased victim in the residence and noted the strong odor of gasoline. The victim’s car was parked in the carport with the trunk open.
An autopsy report revealed that the victim was severely beaten and had been stabbed, and that her death occurred before the fire.
Through investigation and witness accounts, officers learned that around 5:30 am, a man dressed in dark clothing was seen in the victim’s carport area. Video surveillance at the time of the fire also showed the man entering and leaving the trailer igniting and reigniting the blaze.
The following day, officers were called to a store where a male subject was loitering out front and making lewd comments. Officers contacted the man, Anthony Barra. A search of Barra’s belongings revealed lighters and other items, including a red gas can. Officers immediately took him into custody. During investigation, a positive match was made of Barra’s clothing to that of the man in the surveillance video. DNA collected from Barra was also a match to DNA found in the victim’s car.
While in custody awaiting trial, Barra incurred two additional cases for assaulting correctional deputies in 2022 and 2023.
On September 28, 2023, Barra pleaded no contest to first-degree murder with the special allegation of use of a deadly weapon, and felony elder abuse resulting in death. In the jail incidents, Barra pleaded no contest to assault and battery against custodial officers. Barra possesses prior felony convictions for burglary and vandalism.
According to current California sentencing laws, Barra must serve 29 years in prison before parole consideration is granted.
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