Springville Man Sentenced to Prison for Intoxicated Vehicular Killing of Cyclist

Today in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, Judge Michael Sheltzer sentenced Joseph Valley, age 28, of Springville, to 11 years in prison for hitting and killing a cyclist in November of 2017. On August 31, 2018, Valley pleaded no contest to all charges filed against him: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with the special allegation of fleeing the scene, and hit and run driving causing death.

Around 4:40 pm on November 7, 2017, the adult male victim was riding his bicycle in the Springville area when Valley hit him while driving a PT Cruiser. A UPS driver discovered the victim in the road shortly after. After witness reports of a PT Cruiser with a broken windshield and significant front damage were made, the UPS driver directed law enforcement to a nearby house with a PT Cruiser normally parked outside. Law enforcement contacted Valley at the residence and saw the damaged car, which Valley said was the result of hitting an animal. A blood draw later revealed Valley’s BAC to be .26%.

“Whenever a life is lost to the selfish choices of a drunk driver, the community as a whole feels both anger and fear that they could become the next innocent victim on their way to work, school, or while enjoying a quiet bike ride. The sentence handed down by the court will not bring back the life lost, and the defendant will continue his own existence, but for now that existence will be behind prison walls,” said Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ryan Tiede of the Special Crimes Division and investigated by the California Highway Patrol.

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