Location: Road 152, south of Ivanhoe Drive, Visalia

Incident Date: 02-12-2015

Case Number: 15-1835

Victim: Marcos Raymundo Villegas

Posted by: Media Relations

On 2-12-15 The Tulare County Violent Crimes Unit responded to the area of Rd. 152 south of Ivanhoe Drive, Visalia, regarding a deceased male on the side of the road. During the initial investigation the victim was identified as Marcos Raymundo Villegas, 19, out of the city of Visalia who died from several gunshot wounds.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Violent Crimes Detectives contacted Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives during which time it was discovered the Marcos Villegas homicide and a Visalia Police Department homicide were related to the northern street gang operating in Tulare County. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Visalia Police Department and the California Department of Justice began an extensive investigation into the homicides identified as operation “Red Sol”. During the investigation several people were identified as being responsible for the Villegas homicide.

On 10-01-15 operation “Red Sol” concluded with a large sweep of northern gang members throughout Tulare County. During the sweep and the ongoing investigation the following persons have been arrested and charged with the murder of Marcos Raymundo Villegas.

Johnny Garcia, 22 yoa arrested on 10-2-15

Sebastian Barajas, 20 yoa arrested on 10-1-15

Jason Ortega, 21 yoa arrested on 10-6-15

Abraham Ortiz, 20 yoa arrested on 10-5-15

Patricia Flores, 23 yoa arrested on 10-6-15

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can call 559-733-6218 or 800-808-0488. Anyone with information call also remain anonymous by calling TIP NOW at 559-725-4149.