During the course of the investigation, Homicide Detectives determined the victim had sustained obvious signs of trauma. He was identified as Giovani’s father, 75-year-old Julio Abujalil of Bakersfield.

Detectives served a warrant at the Abujalils’ home, where both the victim and suspect live. During the warrant, they found additional evidence at the scene linking Giovani to the crime. Detectives also discovered Giovani had been released from prison seven days prior. Giovani was determined to be a “two-striker” and released on supervised probation for an elder abuse conviction in 2019. Giovani was arrested for homicide and booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s South County Detention Facility, where he is being held without bail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Jose Melendez or Sergeant Bryan Clower with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (559) 733-6218. Or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.

Previous Information:

HAPPENING NOW: Detectives Investigating Body Found In Porterville

Around 7:40 this morning, TCSO Deputies were called to a home in the 12300 Block of Road 268 in Porterville for a man acting erratically and asking money for gas.

When Deputies arrived, they found the man sitting in an SUV and a body in the back seat. Detectives detained the man and took him to the hospital to be checked out.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit have been called and are taking over the investigation.

Anyone wishing to provide information on this case is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218. Or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.