Violent Offender Denied Parole for 1998 Attempted Murder

On May 28, 2026, a California parole board issued a three-year denial of parole for Thonvanh Phutseevong, age 67. Phutseevong has been incarcerated since 1998 for the attempted murder of a man in Porterville. He is currently serving a life sentence at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

Around 7:40 pm on March 8, 1998, Porterville police were dispatched to reports of a gunshot victim lying face down on a sidewalk in front of a residence. The victim had been shot in the lower back area. As he was being attended to, the victim said he had been shot by “Thonvanh,” an acquaintance. According to witness accounts, the victim was in his living room when Phutseevong knocked on the door. When opened, Phutseevong shot at the victim twice with a shotgun, missing both times. The victim then ran out the front door followed by Phutseevong, who fired a third time striking the victim. Phutseevong fled the scene but was arrested a short time later and was identified by witnesses as the shooter.

At his 1998 trial, a jury convicted Phutseevong of attempted murder, burglary, and assault with a firearm along with special allegations of use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. The court sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison.

While in prison, Phutseevong continued his propensity for violence and incurred numerous rules infractions including the assault of a correctional officer. While incarcerated at the California Training Facility (Soledad) in 2006, Phutseevong killed his cellmate during a fight and was convicted of manslaughter.

This was Phutseevong’s second parole hearing. Phutseevong is currently eligible for parole due to California’s elder parole provisions.

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