Reedley man accused of killing wife ‘got what he deserved,’ Tulare County deputies say

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Reedley Police say 43-year-old Michael Rocha killed his wife Saturday night at a family gathering and took off. On Sunday, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office located his vehicle in the Woodlake area, where he led deputies on a pursuit before a deadly standoff.

“He got into a gun battle, and he pretty much got what he deserved,” said Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. 

Multiple roads near Road 222 and Avenue 340 will be blocked off throughout the night into early morning as the Visalia Police Department investigates the officer-involved shooting that happened after 1 p.m. 

Rocha led the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office on a pursuit through the Woodlake area.

“Shots were fired out the window at pursuing deputies,” Sheriff Boudreaux explained.

Rocha eventually came to a stop and started firing at deputies. Dozens of shots rang out, and four deputies returned fire.

The 43-year-old was pronounced dead. No officers were injured. After searching his vehicle, officials found another gun inside.

“In this situation, he asked for, our officers didn’t come out here seeking to shoot him,” Boudreaux added.

Saturday evening, Reedley Police say Rocha shot and killed his wife at a family gathering. She was sitting in a car outside the residence near Frankwood and Parlier Avenues when police say he walked up to the vehicle and fired over ten rounds.

“She was struck multiple times,” said Reedley Police Chief Mark Ediger. 

Rocha took off. Chief Ediger says several family members tried to follow after him. But they and the police lost him. 

Ediger says he doesn’t know what led up to the shooting. The couple was married for over 25 years, but recently separated in August.

“This couple had a 20-year-old son, 23-year-old daughter who are without both of their parents within a matter of 24 hours. Just tragic, very horrific,” Ediger said. 

Chief Ediger urges the community that if you’re going through a separation or are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone; there are resources available. If you know someone is armed, he says to contact law enforcement before it’s too late.