Second Defendant Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2020 Visalia Shooting Death

Today in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Curtis Williams, age 31, to life in prison for the 2020 shooting death of a man at a Visalia apartment complex.

On November 28, 2020, the victim, age 33, and Williams were engaged in an argument in the victim’s apartment. Surveillance video showed co-defendant Andrew Hernandez, age 29, who lived in a neighboring apartment, entering the residence holding his waistband. Through witness testimony it was learned that Hernandez gave Williams a gun, and that Williams shot the victim in the chest. Both men fled the apartment. The victim was not discovered until he had not been heard from for several days.

Hernandez was arrested in early December, but Williams fled to the Sacramento area. Williams was arrested on February 9, 2021, after fleeing from law enforcement on a rooftop and through a Visalia neighborhood.

On April 23, 2024, both men were convicted of first-degree murder. The jury found true special allegations that Williams personally used a firearm and personally discharged a firearm causing death. Williams must serve 50 years, not including CDCR credits, prior to parole consideration. On May 14, 2024, Hernandez was sentenced to 26 years-to-life in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sean Sangree.

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