WOODLAKE, Calif. (KFSN) — A Reedley man accused of killing his wife Saturday night was killed by Tulare County sheriff’s deputies Sunday after a pursuit and shootout, authorities said.
Reedley police said officers responded to a neighborhood near Parlier and Frankwood avenues around 8 p.m. Saturday after reports of multiple gunshots.
Investigators learned 43-year-old Michael Rocha shot his wife, Yessenia Rocha, multiple times in front of their children and other family members. .
Rocha fled the scene in a Chevy truck, prompting an overnight search.
On Sunday morning, his truck was spotted in the Woodlake area between 10 and 11 a.m., according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 1 p.m., deputies located Rocha and a pursuit began.
During the chase, Rocha fired a rifle at deputies, officials said.
The pursuit ended near Road 222 and Avenue 340 outside Woodlake, where Rocha got out of his truck and started shooting at deputies.
Deputies returned fire, hitting Rocha, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Visalia Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
