Parole denied for man in deadly BBQ stabbing in Porterville

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 60-year-old was denied parole following a deadly stabbing at a BBQ in Porterville, according to the Tulare County District Attorney.

60-year-old William Vera is currently serving a life sentence at Kern Valley State Prison after stabbing the victim in the chest and killing him over 27 years ago. On September 26, Tulare County prosecutors secured a seven-year denial of parole for Vera.

According to the DA’s office, at around 5:30 pm on March 2, 1997, the victims, two brothers, were at a BBQ with friends and family. Prosecutors say a girl approached the brothers and attempted to sell them stolen merchandise including perfume and watches. Her offers were declined and she left.

Minutes later, Vera and others arrived in a tan-colored van and confronted the brothers with allegations that they had sexually harassed the female.

The DA says Vera pulled out a knife and held it to one of the brother’s throats. As the other brother came to his defense, Vera released his captive and stabbed the approaching victim once in the chest, killing him. Vera and his group fled in their vehicle.

Witnesses quickly called the police, who were able to find the van and the people inside. At trial later that year, a jury convicted Vera of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

Vera, who possessed a prior felony conviction in Los Angeles County, was sentenced to 42 years to life in prison. This was Vera’s first parole hearing. During the hearing, the DA’s office says Vera frequently interrupted and objected to the proceedings and expressed no remorse for his crimes. Commissioners also noted Vera’s unreasonable risk to public safety and risk for future violence.

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