Parole Thrice Denied for 2000 Drive By Shooting

On September 4, 2026, via video conference, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Jose Maria Ramirez, age 46. Ramirez is currently serving a life sentence at Avenal State Prison for his role in a 2000 drive by shooting in Tulare.

Between January 28 and January 29, 2000, Ramirez and co-defendant Juan Pineda returned to a house party that they had left earlier after being involved in an altercation. Ramirez drove a car while Pineda, who was in the passenger’s seat, fired several shots at partygoers outside of the residence. One shot went through the front door striking a male victim, who later died. Ramirez and Pineda were arrested a few hours later by the Tulare Police Department.

In March of 2001, Ramirez was found guilty of second-degree murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and discharge of a firearm from a moving vehicle at another person. He was sentenced to 16 years-to-life in prison. Pineda, who pleaded no contest to murder and firearm charges, is currently serving a 40-year sentence in state prison.

This is Ramirez’s third hearing before a parole board after being previously denied release in 2017 and 2024. The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings and a deputy district attorney argued against the inmate’s release.

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