Incident Date: 07-01-2016

Incident Time: 0800

Case Number: 16-80057

Victim: State of California

Posted by: Dispatch

Narrative:

Suspect #1: Ernie Hernandez III   MH/ 31 Yrs             Strathmore, Ca. In custody

Suspect #2: Yessica Mendoza        FH/ 25 Yrs             Porterville, Ca.  In custody

On 07/01/16 a phone call between the suspects was intercepted and during the call information was heard about committing a murder.

The investigation was turned over to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Gang Information Tracking Unit and the Interagency Gang Enforcement Team.

The ensuing investigation revealed there were other telephone calls subsequent to the first call that revealed more details about the impending murder. Suspect #1 Ernie Hernandez, a known Northern Gang Member was heard conspiring and soliciting with Suspect #2 Yessica Mendoza, a known Northern Gang Associate, who to contact to commit the crime. Mendoza facilitated the crime by making contact with other person to further the act.

Both suspects were contacted and arrested without incident and booked at the APTF on the listed charges.

GVSU and IGET Investigators interrupted the crime before it could happen. The intended victim was contacted and moved to a safe environment.

The Investigation has been turned over to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Gang Violence Suppression Unit and no other information is being released at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Det. Kyle Kalender  at (559)735-1898 or