Location: Ave 288/Road 156 in Farmersville

Incident Date: 1/20/19

Case Number: 19-828

Victim: Timothy Shields

City: Farmersville

Posted by: Media Relations

Cause of Death Released For Man Found in Farmersville Canal

On January 20, 2019 at about 8:30 a.m., Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Farmersville Area in regards to a missing person case. Once on scene, Deputies were notified the person being reported missing was Timothy Shields. The family said Shields was a victim of a hit and run, which was reported to the California Highway Patrol on the evening of January 19, 2019 and he had not been found.  

Tulare County Sheriff Office Violent Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the missing person portion of the investigation. Detectives began working with the California Highway Patrol, who was investigating the possible hit and run accident.  

On January 21, 2019 at about 2:25 p.m., Detectives were notified the body of Timothy Shields had been found submerged under water in a canal near the area of Ave 288/Road 156 in Farmersville, which is the same area he was last seen. Detectives responded to the scene and it was processed for evidence.  

An autopsy has been completed on Timothy Shields and the cause of death is determined to be Trauma to the Upper Torso. The actual cause of those injuries is still under investigation.       

The California Highway Patrol continues its investigation. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Detective Brandon VanCuren or Sgt. Gary Marks with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes unit at (559) 733-6218. Or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559)725-4194or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.