Case Number: 15-6296
Posted by: Dispatch
On 5-20-15 at 0946, Deputies from the Orosi substation responded to the area of ave 400 and road 74 regarding a disturbance involving gunshots. Upon arrival, Deputies located three gunshot wound victims, one of which had succumbed to his injuries. The additional two victims were transported to local hospitals where they are being treated. The initial investigation revealed that the three subjects were in the orchard as part of a farm labor picking crew. The motive of the disturbance is unknown at this point.
Deputies were able to obtain a suspect description and assisting personnel from the Dinuba Police Department detained a subject matching that description. Investigators are in the process of determining if he is the suspect.
****UPDATE****
During the above investigation TCSO Violent Crimes Detectives were able to positively Identify the above victims. Additionally, through victims and witness statements the subject detained by Dinuba Police Officers in the area of Ave. 408 & Rd. 74, Dinuba was positively identified as the suspect in the shooting. Upon contacting the suspect he was not in possession of the firearm used in the shooting. Detectives utilized TCSO K9 Deputy Cory Evans and his K9 partner KAYTU to search the area for the firearm. Deputy Evans search resulted in locating the firearm used in the crime concealed in a tree near the crime scene location.
While obtaining victim and witness statements it was discovered the victim’s and suspect were working for the same farm labor contractor in the orchard. The motive for the shooting is still unknown at this time.
***Update***
On 6-3-15 at approx. 1400 hrs. Tulare County Violent Crimes Detectives were advised by medical staff from an area hospital that V2 Carlos Eliseo Sanchez 65 years had succumbed to his injuries as a result of this incident.
The suspect in this case is currently in custody and Violent Crimes Detectives are currently in contact with the District Attorney’s Office to upgrade his charges to 2 counts of 187 PC – homicide.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or 1-800-808-0488. Anyone with information can also remain anonymous by calling TIP NOW at 559-725-4194.