Parole Denied in 2003 Carjacking, Kidnapping
On December 11, 2025, via video conference, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Jacob DeMasters, age 44, for the 2003 carjacking and kidnapping of a mother and her child in Porterville. DeMasters is currently serving a life sentence at California State Prison Sacramento.
Around 8 am on September 2, 2003, in Porterville, police officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by DeMasters. DeMasters failed to stop and eventually crashed the vehicle, fleeing on foot. An investigation of the vehicle revealed that it was stolen in Exeter a week prior.
Later that same morning, DeMasters approached a woman in her vehicle backing out of her driveway and asked her for a ride to the hospital for medical treatment. Unsatisfied with her refusal, DeMasters opened the front passenger door and pointed a gun at the woman, demanding her to drive. In the rear of the car was the woman’s young child. DeMasters made her drive to a small motel and demanded she not say anything to anyone. He then exited the vehicle. The woman contacted law enforcement and DeMasters was arrested two days later during a traffic stop.
In 2004, a Tulare County jury convicted DeMasters of two counts of carjacking / kidnapping with the special allegation that he used a firearm, and one count of vehicle theft. He was sentenced to 17 years to life in prison. While incarcerated, he was twice convicted and sentenced to an additional five years for being in possession of a deadly weapon.
The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings and a deputy district attorney argued against his release in this case.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494