Reedley man suspected of shooting, killing wife dies in shootout with deputies

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The man accused of shooting his wife in Reedley 10 times Saturday evening died in a shootout with authorities in Tulare County Sunday afternoon, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office announced.

According to deputies, 43-year-old Michael Rocha of Reedley was involved in an altercation with his wife Saturday evening, where he ultimately shot her multiple times in front of their kids and family members.

Rocha’s wife was pronounced dead at the scene but has not yet been officially identified.

That night, deputies report Rocha fled in his Chevy truck but was eventually spotted in the Woodlake area Sunday morning around 10 a.m.

The sheriff’s office stated that they tracked down Rocha, who had a warrant for his arrest, around 1 p.m. in Woodlake, and a pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, deputies say Rocha fired a rifle at them before he eventually stopped near Road 222 and Avenue 340 just outside of Woodlake. Rocha then got out of the truck and began firing multiple rounds at deputies.

The sheriff’s office says deputies fired back, striking Rocha. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Visalia Police Department has taken over the officer-involved shooting investigation. The four deputies involved have been put on administrative leave as a result.