Yesennia Rocha Obituary, Death; – A growing memorial has been established at the intersection of Parlier and Frankwood Avenues in Reedley, where authorities report that 43-year-old Michael Rocha fatally shot his wife, 43-year-old Yesennia Rocha, on Saturday in the presence of their family and two adult children.
“She was the light of our world,” stated their daughter, Kayla Rocha, in reference to Yesennia. “She shined very bright. She was always there for me and my brother. She meant everything to us.”
“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,” added their son Jacob Rocha.
According to authorities, Michael fled the scene but was located in Woodlake on Sunday afternoon.
Following a brief pursuit, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux reported that a gunfight ensued near Road 222 and Avenue 340, resulting in Michael being shot and killed by deputies.
“My son was the world to me, and their mother was the world to them, and now both families are devastated,” expressed Michael’s mother, Rita Rocha, through tears. Rita preferred not to appear on camera.
She mentioned that the couple had been together since middle school and had been married for 25 years, although they had been separated for the past two months.
“He couldn’t handle her filing for divorce,” Rita explained. “He didn’t want to live without his sweetheart. He couldn’t bear the thought of her living without him, so he chose the cowardly way out.”
The couple leaves behind two children, who are now faced with the reality of living without either parent.
“To be a grandmother to my sister’s and my children when we reach that stage, unfortunately, I will never have that opportunity, and he took that away from us,” Jacob lamented. “I wish there had been something that could have helped him.”
The children are relying on family support and their faith to navigate this challenging period.
“I do find some solace in knowing that she is resting in a better place,” Jacob remarked.
“I see her everywhere. I see her on a beautiful day, in a Christian worship song, in the clouds. I see her in flowers and plants because she adored all of those things.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page for those looking to help during their diffcult time.
