Parole Denied for Visalia Man Who Murdered Sister

At a virtual hearing on September 14, 2022, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Javier Perez, age 61, for the 1995 murder of his sister in Exeter. Perez is currently serving a life sentence at San Quentin State Prison near San Francisco.

On October 29, 1995, Perez, his wife, and several family members attended a party in Visalia. After the party, the group drove to Perez’s sister’s house in Exeter. Perez had a poor relationship with his brother in law, and sent messages to family about his desire to hurt him. When Perez arrived at the house, his brother in law came outside to see if the two men’s issues could be resolved.

Growing increasingly angry at the escalating conversation, Perez returned to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun. When Perez’s sister placed herself between the two men, Perez struck her with the butt of the gun. As she recovered, Perez placed the gun to her head and shot her. A bullet fragment also struck his brother in law. Perez attempted to flee in his vehicle but was immediately apprehended. His sister died at the scene.

In 1996, a jury found Perez guilty of first-degree murder and assault with a firearm. He was sentenced to 35 years-to-life in prison.

Under California law (PC 3055), Perez was eligible for an elder parole hearing.  During the hearing, parole commissioners noted that Perez failed to take full responsibility for his actions and still posed a risk to public safety.

The Office of the District Attorney routinely attends life parole hearings and a senior deputy district attorney argued against the inmate’s release in this case.

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