Terry Wade III, a 19-year-old from Visalia, California, tragically lost his life on May 28, 2017. The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a routine marijuana sale. According to reports, Wade was found shot inside his car near Buena Vista and Zachary Avenues in Visalia. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where Wade's girlfriend attempted to perform CPR on him, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Kaweah Delta Medical Center.
The investigation revealed
that the shooting was the result of a drug deal gone wrong. Four teenagers were arrested shortly after the incident. They were identified as Noah Fox, Kalvin Solis, Jose Cortez, and an unnamed juvenile. The suspects were found in a car matching the description provided by witnesses who saw a vehicle fleeing the scene. The police determined that the suspects had planned to rob Wade during the marijuana transaction. Fox, who was in the backseat of Wade's car, pulled out a gun and demanded the marijuana. When Wade attempted to drive away, Fox shot him through the back seat.
The legal proceedings that followed were extensive. Noah Fox was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, as the murder occurred during the commission of a robbery. He was also found guilty of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. Kalvin Solis, another key suspect, was similarly convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances and was sentenced to life without parole. Jose Cortez pleaded no contest to robbery charges. The juvenile involved in the case was also arrested for supplying the gun used in the shooting.
The case drew significant attention in the Visalia community, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal drug transactions and the tragic consequences that can arise from such activities. The convictions of the suspects brought some measure of justice for Terry Wade III's family, but the loss of a young life left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
