Porterville Gang Member Convicted of 2023 Murder

Late yesterday afternoon in a bifurcated trial, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against Oscar Zavala, age 29, for the 2023 gang murder of a rival gang member in Porterville.

At approximately 1:45 am on July 10, 2023, at a Porterville motel, Zavala shot and killed the victim who was also at the motel. Using video surveillance, law enforcement observed Zavala and the victim briefly exchange words in passing, after which Zavala went to his own room and exited after a minute. Footage then showed Zavala approach the victim and fire a single shot. Both the victim and Zavala fled the area.

The victim’s body was not discovered until the morning as the victim collapsed in a secluded area of the motel. Through investigation, law enforcement found a convenience store receipt for an alcoholic drink in Zavala’s room. Upon looking at video surveillance at the convenience store, Zavala was seen wearing the same clothes as in the footage from the motel. Law enforcement took Zavala into custody a few days later at a house in Porterville.

At trial on January 16, 2026, at the South County Justice Center, Zavala was found guilty of first-degree murder with the special allegation of using a firearm. Under AB 333 (2022), prosecutors must try gang allegations separate from the charged crime. On January 21, 2026, the jury convicted Zavala of the special circumstance that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that the crime constituted street terrorism.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2026, where Zavala faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Noell Niayesh, Assistant District Attorney Larann Box and Deputy District Attorney Michelle Payne and was investigated by the Porterville Police Department.

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