A Tulare County jury convicted Isaiah Elias Garcia, 25, on Friday, March 28, 2025, of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing a man during a 2019 fight in Visalia. (Tulare County DA)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A Tulare County jury on Friday convicted a 25-year-old man of second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of another man during a fight at a 2019 party, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Related Story: Visalia Man Arrested for Having Child Sexual Abuse Material
Isaiah Elias Garcia was found guilty in Tulare County Superior Court of killing the victim and of a special allegation of using a deadly weapon, prosecutors said.
The stabbing occurred on Feb. 23, 2019, after a fight broke out between two groups of attendees at a party in Visalia.
Related Story: Visalia Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
Prosecutors said Garcia and others left but later used Snapchat to challenge the opposing group to another confrontation. When the challenge was declined, Garcia’s group drove to the other location, where a second fight ensued.
During the altercation, Garcia stabbed the victim in the chest, prosecutors said. The victim died from massive blood loss, including a fatal stab wound to the heart.
Investigators used digital forensics and witness testimony to identify Garcia as the suspect, prosecutors said.
Related Story: Visalia Police Nets 26 DUI Arrests in Two Weekend Operations
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25 and faces life in prison.
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.