Photo: Jesus Fernandez and Vanessa Macias
Shots fired brought Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies to Howard and Washington in Earlimart.
Upon arriving, they found the lifeless body of 16-year old Ignacio Lemus; he had been shot in the upper torso.
Homicide detectives reported to the scene and found evidence pointing them in the direction of two suspects: 18-year old Jesus Fernandez of Earlimart, and 19-year old Vanessa Macias of Alpaugh.
Fernandez and Macias were stopped for a traffic violation the following morning and arrested.
Both were booked into the Tulare County Jail. Fernandez faces murder charges, while Macias faces charges of accessory after the fact, knowledge of a crime. They remain in custody as of 10/22/2019.
The motive for the murder remains to be determined. Tulare County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to come forward with any information about this homicide. Anonymous tips can be communicated by text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or 559-725-4194.
Photos from TCSO
