DA: Man gets life sentence in domestic violence assault

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 45-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison for domestic violence and other violent crimes after his victim forgot to buy cigarettes in Tulare County, according to the District Attorney’s office.

According to the Tulare County DA, on September 26, 2023, deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a home in East Porterville for a report of domestic violence.

The DA says when deputies arrived, they discovered the victim had visible bruising and swelling on the entirety of her face and neck.  The suspect, 45-year-old Jeffrey Spears, was in the backyard and was taken into custody.

The DA says that three days prior Spears started arguing with the victim over forgetting to buy cigarettes at the store and accused her of other relationship issues. For three hours, Spears punched, kicked, and struck her all over her body all while threatening to kill her if she contacted law enforcement.

Spears repeatedly strangled the victim to the brink of unconsciousness, smothered her with a pillow, and forcefully did not allow her to leave the residence. Eventually, the DA said she was able to go to a neighbor where she contacted a family member for help.

According to the DA, before trial and while in custody, Spears contacted the victim and urged her not to testify. At trial, the District Attorney says criminal investigators with expertise in domestic violence testified about the cycle of violence and the power dynamics involved in the crime.

On February 9, 2024, prosecutors say they secured convictions for torture, domestic violence, false imprisonment by violence, criminal threats, and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime.

Jurors also agreed that the victim was vulnerable, that Spears unlawfully dissuaded the victim from testifying, that he took advantage of a position of trust, and that he engaged in violent conduct, according to the DA.

According to current California sentencing laws, Spears must serve 25 years before being considered for parole

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