'She was the light of our world': Mother killed in domestic violence incident in Reedley identified
REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A growing memorial sits on Parlier and Frankwood Avenues in Reedley, where police say 43-year-old Michael Rocha shot and killed his wife, 43-year-old Yesennia Rocha, on Saturday in front of their family and two adult children.
"She was the light of our world," their daughter, Kayla Rocha, said about Yesennia. "She shined very bright. She was always there for me and my brother. She was everything to us."
She was the light of our world.Kayla Rocha, daughter
"I just wish I could see her one more time, hold her one more time, tell her I love her, give her a hug, but that man took everything away from us," their son Jacob Rocha added.
Authorities say Michael fled the scene, but was tracked down in Woodlake Sunday afternoon.
After a short pursuit, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux says a gun battle began near Road 222 and Avenue 340, where Michael was struck and killed by deputies.
"My son was the world to me, and their mom was the world to them and now both families are destroyed," Michael's mother, Rita Rocha, said through tears.
I just wish I could see her one more time.Jacob Rocha, son
Rita didn't want her face on camera.
She says the couple had been dating since middle school and had been married for 25 years, but had been separated for the last two months.
"He couldn't cope with her filing for divorce," Rita explained. "He didn't want to live without his sweetheart. He didn't want to live without his soulmate, the love of his life and he didn't want her to live without him, so he chose the cowardly way out."
The couple leaves behind two kids, now forced to live without a mom or dad.
"To be a grandmother to mine and my sister's kids when we get to that point, unfortunately, I'll never get that and he took that away from us," Jacob said. "I wish there was something that could've helped him."
The children are leaning on family and faith to get through this tough time.
"I do find the littlest peace knowing that she is resting in a better place," Jacob stated.
"I see her everywhere. I see her on a beautiful day, in a Christian worship song, in clouds. I see her in flowers and plants because she loved all of those things. I see her in the mirror because I look just like her," Kayla said in tears.
I do find the littlest peace knowing that she is resting in a better place.Jacob Rocha, son
The family has set up a GoFundMe page for those looking to help during their diffcult time.
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.
