DA: Man charged after killing, torturing, woman in Tulare
TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man has been sentenced on Thursday to life in prison after killing and torturing a 74-year-old woman in Tulare, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office said.
Tulare man admits to killing and torturing woman, police say
The DA’s office says at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2022, Tulare Police Department officers responded to a trailer home fully engulfed in flames. Neighbors told officers a 74-year-old female resided in the trailer.
Fire and emergency personnel say they located the deceased victim in the home and noted the strong odor of gasoline. According to officials, the victim’s car was parked in the carport with the trunk open.
The DA’s office says an autopsy report revealed that the victim was severely beaten and had been stabbed and that her death occurred before the fire.
Through investigation and witness accounts, officers learned that around 5:30 a.m., a man dressed in dark clothing was seen in the victim’s carport area. Video surveillance at the time of the fire also showed the man entering and leaving the trailer igniting and reigniting the blaze.
The following day, officers say they were called to a store where a male subject was loitering out front and making lewd comments. Officers contacted the man, 27-year-old Anthony Barra, and they found lighters and other items, including a red gas can, upon a search of his belongings. He was taken into custody.
During the investigation, officers say a positive match was made of Barra’s clothing to that of the man in the surveillance video. DNA collected from Barra was also a match to DNA found in the victim’s car.
DA: Man charged in mobile home fire death in Tulare
While in custody awaiting trial, the DA’s office says Barra incurred two additional cases for assaulting correctional deputies in 2022 and 2023.
On Sept. 28, 2023, the DA’s office said Barra pleaded no contest to first-degree murder with the special allegation of use of a deadly weapon, and felony elder abuse resulting in death. In the jail incidents, Barra pleaded no contest to assault and battery against custodial officers. Barra possesses prior felony convictions for burglary and vandalism.
According to current California sentencing laws, the DA’s office says Barra must serve 29 years in prison before parole consideration is granted.
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