Family remembers Visalia murder victim, suspect arrested

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- UPDATE: Visalia Police arrested the woman accused of fatally stabbing a 26-year-old man last weekend.

Editor's Note: The story below is from a previous broadcast.

William Watley may not have been on the right path in life, but his father's love was unconditional.

"For 26 years, (it was) 26 years of joy, up until last Sunday," said Ira Watley. "And they took that away from me."

Last Sunday night, Watley was stabbed to death at a Visalia apartment complex.

A few days later, Visalia Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Desiree Ann Pedigo, also known as 'Ray Ray,' and asked for the public's help in finding her.

'Ray Ray' has a lengthy criminal past, including an arrest earlier this year for siccing her dog on another man at Lincoln Oval Park.

Now, she is on the run, accused of brutally murdering a son, brother, and father.

"He didn't deserve this," Ethel Shaver said. "William was consumed with so many things trying to find his way in life. He was still a young man, and he had a right to still live. We don't have no right to take no one's life."

"I think the toughest part about all of this is I lost more than just a brother," said Ira Watley III. "I lost my friend, somebody to turn to, talk to, somebody to laugh with, reminisce."

Family members say William was mature beyond his 26 years.

He was independent and humble, but still loyal to friends and family.

He was a Tulare Union football champion, and always dressed to impress.

Ira Watley says he can't even describe the pain of losing his son.

But he knows William would want him to do everything within his power to bring his killer to justice.

"If you know anything about Desiree Pedigo, anything about her," Watley said. "If you see her, please dial 911. Please."

Police consider Pedigo armed and dangerous. If you see her, don't approach her.

William Watley will be laid to rest next week in Tulare.