TULARE COUNTY, CA – Around 8:30 p.m on November 1, 2021, TCSO Deputies were called to a shooting on Road 136 just south of Avenue 12 near Delano.
When Deputies arrived, they found two men who had been shot multiple times. One victim, 47-year-old Fermin Edindolfo Hernandez, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, whose name will remain anonymous, was taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. He is currently in stable, but critical condition.
The TCSO Homicide Unit took over the investigation. When Detectives arrived, they learned 37-year-old Joaquin Ayala of Earlimart, arrived at the Delano Hospital claiming to have been shot in Delano. Through their investigation, Detectives found evidence linking Ayala to this Homicide, which occurred in Tulare County. Ayala was treated and released at the hospital.
Investigators are not releasing the cause of Ayala’s injuries. He has since been arrested and booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on charges of Homicide. He is being held without bail.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dave Gutierrez or Sergeant Bryan Clower with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (559)733-6218, or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com, or call 1-800-TIPNOW.