Parole Denied in 1994 Double Murder
In a virtual hearing on June 15, 2022, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Aristeo Alvarado, age 58, for the 1994 shooting deaths of two men and the wounding of a third in the south county. Alvarado is currently serving a life sentence at Folsom State Prison.
On April 24, 1994, Alvarado drove to Lake Woollomes near Delano and engaged the victims in an argument. Alvarado and the victim’s family were neighbors at the California Camp near Richgrove in southern Tulare County, and had a lengthy history of confrontations including Alvarado threatening to kill members of the family. After the argument, Alvarado stated, “Now there will be bloodshed” and drove back to his house to retrieve a gun. He returned to the lake and brandished the firearm. Not wanting to engage, the victims drove home. Alvarado followed.
When the group arrived at the family residence, Alvarado again brandished the firearm and shot one of the victims in the legs and feet when he approached. Alvarado then shot a second victim twice in the chest and a third time when the victim was lying on the ground. At this time, a third victim retrieved a firearm from his house and shot Alvarado four times. Alvarado returned fire, striking him in the back. Two of the victims died at the scene. Alvarado was arrested after being driven by the camp manager’s son to Delano where he was treated for his wounds. At the time of the crime, Alvarado’s blood alcohol level was .25.
In 1995, Alvarado was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder with the special allegation of personal use of a firearm, and attempted murder with the special allegations of personal use of a firearm and the infliction of great bodily injury. He was sentenced to 63 years-to-life in prison.
This was Alvarado’s initial parole hearing. Under Penal Code section 3055 (effective January 1, 2021), incarcerated persons are eligible for the Elderly Parole Program after reaching age 50 and being continuously incarcerated for 20 years. The Office of the District Attorney regularly 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