Prosecutors charge man with murder in 2008 Tulare cold case

Prosecutors say DNA evidence led to a murder charge against a man for a 2008 Tulare cold case.

District Attorney Tim Ward today announced criminal charges related to the 2008 shooting death of 21-year-old Tulare man Hernan Diaz.

Luis Villarreal, age 34, is charged with one count of murder with the special allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury, that he possess multiple prior strike and violent felony convictions (assaults with a deadly weapon, 2007), and that he was on felony probation when the offense was committed.

It is alleged that late in the evening of August 12, 2008, at a Tulare apartment complex located at 1309 E. Birch, Villarreal shot Diaz multiple times through Diaz’s bedroom window with a .40 caliber handgun as part of a gang hit. Following the shooting, the Tulare Police Department collected evidence and interviews, but no arrest could be made at the time.

In 2019, the TCDA Bureau of Investigations formed a Cold Case Homicide Unit with the cooperation and mutual assistance with several allied agencies. This case represents the success law enforcement can have solving cases that have grown stale over time. In this case, a potential lead was discovered through the testing of DNA and Villarreal was identified as the person responsible for murdering Herman Diaz.

At the time charges were filed on July 8, 2022, Villarreal was in local custody for recent misdemeanor convictions. On July 11, 2022, Villarreal was arraigned on the charges and pleaded not guilty. He is currently held without bail. Villarreal is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing conference on July 18, 2022, in Department 19. If convicted, Villarreal faces life in prison.

Spacious home in Tulare available now!

This charming home offers plenty of living space. You enter the living room which then opens up to the hallway and kitchen area. 

This home has new paint, new carpet, and new flooring throughout. The bedrooms & bathrooms are located on the north wing of the home. There is a fireplace in the living room that has been locked and is not useable. 

The kitchen offers a dishwasher, built-in microwave, gas stove, and refrigerator all appliances included are all stainless steel. Indoor laundry room nestled between kitchen & family room. The family room has a built-in cabinet made of oak - perfect for storage. 

Conway chosen for the House Natural Resources Committee

Tulare's Congresswoman Connie Conway was selected to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee in Washington, D.C.

"The diverse water and energy challenges impacting the livelihoods of Central Valley residents and farmers,” Conway said in a statement.

She added that she looked forward to “working with my colleagues to address the drought and rising energy costs by modernizing outdated environmental laws and improving water storage infrastructure.”

Conway - elected in June to represent the 22nd District vacated by former Congressman Devin Nunes - will also serve on two subcommittees: Water, Oceans and Wildlife, and Energy and Mineral Resources.

Fellow Republican and ranking committee member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) welcomed Conway to the committee.

“She brings a wealth of natural resources knowledge to the table, particularly from her experience living and working in California where long-term water solutions are desperately needed,” he said. “I know she’ll hit the ground running and be a valuable asset to our committee for the rest of this year.”

Tulare author publishes new action novel

"The Offer," a new book by Tulare writer M.D. Castodio, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

The story follows Gaston Fletcher, an elite assassin with many character flaws. Fletcher takes on the assignment of his life when he deviates from his contract and spares the life of one of his targets, Allen Travertine, the young heir to a multi-billion-dollar corporation.

Now at the risk of becoming a target himself, Fletcher must work to keep not only himself alive, but Allen as well, all while navigating through personal struggles-among them, his wish for being able to leave his profession and pursue a normal life.

M.D. Castodio is a registered nurse who specializes in the mental health aspect of the field and enjoys writing. Castodio resides in Tulare and enjoys being a productive member of his community, making a positive impact through his work.

"The Offer" is a 164-page paperback with a retail price of $14. You can buy the book online at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/the-offer/

Tulare Police Chief Fred Ynclan makes statement on officer's arrest

On June 23rd, 2022 Tulare Police Department Dispatch received a call from a concerned citizen regarding a Tulare Police Officer who was observed parked and asleep in his marked patrol vehicle. 

The officer was identified by his unit number and determined to be Officer Frank Garcia, who has been employed with this department for two and half years.

When the supervisor met with Garcia it was determined that he demonstrated signs of being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. At that point, to ensure full transparency and to avoid bias, the California Highway Patrol was contacted to conduct a DUI investigation. 

After the completion of the investigation, CHP arrested Officer Garcia for driving under the influence, and later to be issued a citation to appear in court. California Highway Patrol submitted their case to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. 

Tulare Senior Services hosting elections for new board members

Nominations are being accepted until July 29 for the Tulare Senior Services board.

Those interested in serving on the board must be 55 or older, live in the Tulare Joint Union High School District, and be available to attend board meetings and events.

Nomination forms must be submitted by 4 p.m., July 29th. For more information, contact Tulare Senior Services at (559) 685-2330. Visit Tulare Senior Services at: https://www.tulare.ca.gov/government/departments/community-services/senior-services

Tulare makes list of most mis-pronounced location names in California

To Central Valley natives, pronouncing the city of Tulare is a no-brainer, but apparently it often stumps others. 

A recent informal, online poll asked its readers which California locations were most often mispronounced - and Tulare made the list. We're sure our own Tulare Voice readers have heard their own butchered pronunciations over the years.

The poll was conducted by KTLA sister station FOX40 and asked its followers on Facebook what places in the Golden State people seem to mispronounce the most. 

Among the list of California locations readers found hard to pronounce were: 

• Tuolumne
• Camarillo
• Lompoc
• La Jolla
• Vallejo
• Suisun City
• Yosemite
• San Luis Obispo
• Paso Robles
• Ojai
• Lodi
• Tulare

Read more of the original article HERE