Location: Ave 145 in Poplar

Incident Date: 2/9/19

Case Number: 19-01740

City: Poplar

Posted by: Media Relations

Poplar Man Behind Bars for the Murder of His Roommate

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit has arrested 59-year-old Jose Salazar for the murder of 60-year-old Marcello Garcia. Marcello was found dead February 11th around 4:30 a.m. at his home in Poplar. After extensive interviews, Salazar was identified as the person responsible for Marcello’s death.

Salazar and Garcia were roommates and had been living together for a number of years. A motive for the murder is still under investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2019 to determine an official cause of death. 

This case is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Miguel Franco 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)725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.