Visalia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

Today in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Swarndeep Basra, age 25, to life in prison for murder.

On May 12, 2021, after an altercation in the kitchen of their shared Visalia residence, Basra stabbed his sister-in-law while her two children ate breakfast and proceeded to kick her while she was on the ground. One of the children ran to a neighbor for help. The victim was transported to Kaweah Delta where she was pronounced deceased. In a statement to police, Basra said that he went “crazy” after the initial altercation.

Basra pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with the use of a knife and no contest to child endangerment on February 9, 2024. According to current California sentencing laws, Basra must serve 20 years in prison before receiving a parole hearing.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Laura Jackson.

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