Reedley, CA – A California father allegedly shot and killed his wife of 25 years in front of their children and then sparked a pursuit that ended in an officer-involved shooting the next day, authorities say. The suspect, identified as Michael Rocha, 43, was killed after deputies say he fired on law enforcement during the chase.
The alleged victim, Yesennia Rocha, 43, was fatally shot during a family gathering in Reedley, roughly 22 miles southeast of Fresno. The case has prompted a multi-agency investigation and left the couple’s adult children mourning the sudden loss.
The Fatal Family Gathering
According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred at a family event in Reedley. After the assault, Michael Rocha drove away in his Chevy truck. Authorities later confirmed a warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with the fatal shooting.
- Victim: Yesennia Rocha, 43
- Suspect: Michael Rocha, 43
- Location of killing: Family gathering in Reedley
- Vehicle: Chevy truck
- Reported motive: Wife had recently filed for divorce and couple had been separated for two months
The Pursuit and Officer-Involved Shooting
The morning after the killing, between 10 and 11 a.m., deputies spotted Rocha’s truck in Woodlake, about 30 miles southeast of Reedley. Deputies attempted to apprehend Rocha, and by about 1 p.m. they converged on his location near Road 222 and Avenue 340.
Authorities say Rocha fired a rifle at deputies during the pursuit. After stopping his truck, he allegedly exited and began firing multiple rounds at law enforcement. Deputies returned fire, striking Rocha, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Time spotted: between 10–11 a.m. in Woodlake
- Time of confrontation: about 1 p.m.
- Location of shooting: Road 222 & Avenue 340 (near Woodlake)
- Law enforcement involved: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office; Visalia Police Department is investigating the deputy-involved shooting
Family Reactions and Reported Motive
Relatives described a long marriage that began in middle school; however, sources say the couple had been separated for two months after Yesennia filed for divorce. Family members suggested that the filing was the primary motive for the killing.
“He couldn’t cope with her filing for divorce. He didn’t want to live without his sweetheart. He didn’t want to live without his soulmate, the love of his life, and he didn’t want her to live without him, so he chose the cowardly way out,” said Rita Rocha, Michael’s mother, to local media.
“I just wish I could see her one more time, hold her one more time, tell her I love her, give her a hug, but that man took everything away from us,” their son Jacob Rocha said.
“She was the light of our world. She shined very bright. She was always there for me and my brother. She was everything to us,” daughter Kayla Rocha said.
Investigation and Community Impact
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office led the initial response, and the Visalia Police Department is now handling the probe into the deputy-involved shooting. The community in and around Reedley and Woodlake is reeling from a violent incident that began in a family home and ended on a rural county road.
- Investigators: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (initial response); Visalia Police Department (investigating officer-involved shooting)
- Community effect: Adult children left to grieve; neighbors concerned about domestic violence escalation
- Legal status: Suspect deceased; investigation ongoing
What Happens Next?
Officials will continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to reconstruct both the domestic incident and the subsequent pursuit. Findings will be submitted as part of the Visalia Police Department’s review of the officer-involved shooting, and local prosecutors may release further details as the inquiry proceeds.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Incident: Domestic homicide followed by a pursuit and officer-involved shooting
- Date: Reported as occurring on a Saturday; pursuit and shooting occurred the following day (times noted above)
- People involved: Michael Rocha (deceased suspect), Yesennia Rocha (victim), adult children
- Agencies: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office; Visalia Police Department investigating
Reedley and the surrounding areas in central California are processing a case that combines domestic violence, a fatal shooting, and a deadly encounter with law enforcement — leaving a family and community searching for answers.
What do you think about this tragic case? Share your thoughts and condolences below — and if you or someone you know is in danger, contact local authorities or a domestic violence hotline immediately.
