Location: Bob Wiley Detention Facility

Incident Date: 3-13-22

Incident Time: 0900HRS

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an inmate death at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility.

Around 9 a.m. today, Correctional Deputies and medical staff at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility found 24-year-old inmate, Francisco Ponce Jr., unresponsive. Deputies and the medical staff immediately administered first-aid and EMS was requested.  

EMS arrived on scene and took over life saving measures. However, they were unsuccessful. Ponce Jr. was pronounced dead. 

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit took over the investigation.  Ponce Jr. was housed by himself. An Autopsy will be scheduled to determine the cause of death.  

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Dave Gutierrez or Sergeant Demecio Holguin with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218, or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.