Exeter man who buried his wife alive denied parole

An Exeter man who stabbed his and buried her alive in their backyard was denied parole for the next five years.

At a virtual hearing on August 2, 2022, TCDA prosecutors secured a 5-year denial of parole for Cesar Navarro, age 44, for the 1998 murder of his wife. Also in attendance were victim advocates and the victim’s family. Navarro is currently serving his sentence at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.

On December 16, 1998, in the city of Exeter, Navarro stabbed his 20-year-old wife multiple times in the head and neck with a screwdriver. Knowing that his wife was still alive after the attack, he buried her in the backyard of their home. Her body was found two weeks later after family members filed a missing person report and had been searching for her. At his initial parole hearing in 2014, Navarro said he committed the crime due to perceived infidelity. The victim’s family said that she would often talk about Navarro’s violence with her.

In 2000, a jury convicted Navarro of the murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Navarro was convicted of domestic violence against the victim a few months prior to the murder.

This was Navarro’s second official parole hearing. In 2019, Navarro stipulated a three-year denial without a hearing. A senior deputy district attorney argued against his release in this case.

Career criminal gets reduced sentence despite DA objections

A local judge granted re-sentencing for Hector Salazar, age 39, for the 2013 home invasion of a Ducor residence.

On May 29, 2013, Salazar and two men entered the home of a Ducor man. Upon entering, they pummeled the victim and restrained his arms, legs, and vision with duct tape. The victim later advised law enforcement that he felt an alleged gun pressed to his head while the men demanded money. After about 40 minutes, the victim, thinking the men had left after rummaging the home, freed himself to assess what was taken. 

The men, however, were still present. Now covered with a blanket, the victim again felt what he believed was a gun to his head. After a few more minutes, the men left in the victim’s truck. Salazar pleaded to first-degree robbery with the special enhancement that he possessed a prior serious or violent felony.

Water shutoffs resume in August for past due bills

Residential water users with balances older than 60 days could have their service shut off starting in August if the bill remains unpaid. 

The City of Tulare halted water shut-offs because of the state moratorium on water shut-offs and because of the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Beginning August 3, all past due balances that are more than 60 days delinquent need to be paid to avoid any future shut-offs.

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/