Location: Avenue 92, east of Road 248, Terra Bella

Incident Date: 02/21/16

Incident Time: 1237 hours

Case Number: 16-02264

Victim: Ballestero, Alex

City: Terra Bella

Posted by: Dispatch

****************UPDATE*****************************

V1-Corrected name – Ballestero, Alexander 38 years – deceased 
V2-Hispanic Male Juvenile 17 years – No injuries

On 2-23-16, Detectives discovered a correction for the name of the deceased victim in this case. The name originally given was Alex Ballesteros, 38 years. The correct name for the deceased victim is Alexander Ballestero, 38 years.

On 2-23-16, an autopsy was also conducted on Ballestero where the cause of death was found to be a single perforating/penetrating gunshot wound to the head.

This remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or toll free at 1-800-808-0488. Anonymous information can be sent by a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call (559) 725-4194.

Original press release:

S1-Gomez, Isidro 22 years – In custody (left)

S2-Gomez, Alfred 19 years – In custody (right)

V1-Ballestero, Alex 38 years – deceased

V2-Hispanic Male Juvenile 17 years – No injuries

Narrative:

On 2-21-16 at approx. 1237 hrs. Deputies were dispatched to Avenue 92 east of Road 248, in Terra Bella, regarding shots being fired with a subject down. Upon their arrival, Deputies located V1 lying on the side of the road deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Deputies also located V2 who stated he and V1 were walking along Avenue 92 when the suspects drove up in a vehicle and began yelling gang slurs. One of the suspects then exited the vehicle and shot V1 and then began shooting at V2 as he was running away. V2 stated he did not receive any injuries from the incident.

Violent Crimes Detectives were then called out to take over the investigation.

During the investigation, Detectives were able to identify the two suspects who were subsequently located in the Terra Bella area and arrested for the above crimes.

This case remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559)733-6218 or toll free at 1-800-808-0488. Anonymous information can be sent by a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call (559) 725-4194.