2 jailed in local man's death

Authorities late last week arrested two men in connection to the Halloween homicide of Porterville resident Richard Hopper.

After a week-long investigation, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department detectives identified, found and arrested Richard Peters, 23, and Charles Peters, 20, both of Porterville, near Terra Bella in the area of Avenue 95 and Highway 65.

Both were booked on suspicion of homicide.

Deputies from the Porterville aubstation were sent at 7:20 p.m. Oct. 31 to the 21600 block of Avenue 112 in Terra Bella in investigate a report of a man down.

They found Hopper,41, dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

An autopsy performed Nov. 3 showed Hopper died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Duane Cornett or Sgt. Jody Cox, 733-6218 or 1-800-808-0048.

Saturday shooting

Meanwhile detectives are investigating the attempted killing to two more people on Saturday.

A 7 p.m. report of gunshot victims led deputies to the 700 block of East River Avenue in Porterville where they found Pedro Alcantar, 25, and a 17-year-old male juvenile suffering from gunshot wounds.

Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call Detective Martin King with the Violent Crimes Unit, 735-1898 or 1-800-808-0488.

Contact The Recorder newsroom at 784-5000, Ext. 1043.