Life Sentence in South County Domestic Violence Assault
On April 12, 2024, in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Jeffrey Spears, age 45, to life in prison for domestic violence and other violent crimes.
Around 9:30 in the morning on September 26, 2023, Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in east Porterville for a report of domestic violence. When deputies arrived, they discovered the victim had visible bruising and swelling on the entirety of her face and neck. The suspect, Spears, was in the backyard and taken into custody.
Through investigation, deputies learned that three days prior Spears started arguing with the victim over forgetting to buy cigarettes at the store and accused her of other relationship strife. For three hours, Spears punched, kicked, and struck her all over her body all while threatening to kill her if she contacted law enforcement. Spears repeatedly strangled the victim to the brink of unconsciousness, smothered her with a pillow, and forcefully did not allow her to leave the residence. Eventually she was able to go to a neighbor where she contacted a family member for help.
Prior to trial and while in custody, Spears contacted the victim and urged her not to testify. At trial, District Attorney criminal investigators with an expertise in domestic violence testified about the cycle of violence and the power dynamics involved in the crime.
On February 9, 2024, TCDA prosecutors secured convictions for torture, domestic violence, false imprisonment by violence, criminal threats, and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. Jurors also found true the aggravating factors that the victim was vulnerable, that Spears unlawfully dissuaded the victim from testifying, that he took advantage of a position of trust, and that he engaged in violent conduct.
According to current California sentencing laws, Spears must serve 25 years before being considered for parole.
The Office of the District Attorney has trained victim advocates to assist victims and survivors of violence on a path to recovery and healing. If you or someone you know can benefit from these important resources, contact the TCDA Victim Services Division at 559-636-5471.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Victoria Frazer.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494