Kern County standoff suspect had history of domestic violence, court docs show

Court documents obtained by Action News revealed that Ramirez had a history of domestic violence.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A standoff suspect who authorities say killed three family members and a Kern County deputy over the weekend was identified as 41-year-old Jose Ramirez Jr. He was killed during a shootout with deputies.

Court documents obtained by Action News revealed that Ramirez had a history of domestic violence. He was previously arrested in May 2020 for charges related to battery on a spouse or ex-spouse.

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A Kern County Sheriff's Office Offense Report says a woman told deputies that Ramirez, her husband, pulled her hair and twisted her wrist.

The woman also told deputies that she was issued an emergency protective order a few weeks before and was in the process of filing a permanent restraining order against Ramirez.

He was booked into the Kern County Jail at that time.



Investigators said earlier this week that Sunday afternoon's standoff and shooting stemmed from a domestic violence incident.

RELATED: Hundreds gather to remember Wasco family, deputy killed in standoff
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The Kern County Sheriff's Office said they believe Ramirez killed his sons, who were 24 and 17 years old, and their 42-year-old mother. Ramirez had a previous restraining order against him that prohibited him from having firearms.

Officials say he was armed with an AK-47-style rifle and a handgun.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

Editor's Note: The video above is from previous coverage and will be updated.

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