On July 24, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m., deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting near Avenue 327 and Road 158 in Ivanhoe, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 34-year-old Antonio Tapia Jr. lying on the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite prompt medical attention, Tapia was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit immediately took over the investigation, conducting several search warrants within the
Ivanhoe community. Their efforts led to the identification of 23-year-old Ivanhoe resident, Ismar Ambriz, as a suspect in the homicide. Ambriz was arrested on July 27, 2023, and booked at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility on charges of homicide.
Further investigation revealed the involvement of a second suspect, a 16-year-old male from Ivanhoe. On July 31, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant and arrested the juvenile, who was subsequently booked at the Juvenile Detention Facility on charges of murder.
The Tulare County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tapia's death. They have urged anyone with additional information to contact Detective Nick Sandoval or Sergeant Hector Rodriguez at (559) 733-6218. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling or texting (559) 725-4194, or via email at [email protected].
