MURDER INC EXCLUSIVE: The Visalia Ransacker Hits at Oscar Clifton’s Brother-In-Law’s House
On June 10 1973 Oscar Clifton’s brother-in-law’s house in Visalia was struck by the Ransacker. He took rifles, a coin collection, radio, camera and tape equipment. The next month on July 31 1973 Avery Dula’s garage was burglarized, his freezer rifled and 400 pounds of frozen beef stolen. On October 10 1973 a fire broke out at Avery Dula’s house. Gas fumes were ignited by a water heater (see: 1986 Everett Dupee Jr. Arson Murder). On December 26 1975 The Visalia Ransacker murdered Donna Richmond and framed Oscar Clifton who died in prison. A Tulare Register article on Clifton’s arrest gives his address as 14402 Ave 264, 1,000 feet from (Charles) Avery Dula’s house. On January 28 1987 Antique tables, 28 shotguns and two televisions were stolen from Avery Dula’s home (see Halley Wing).
May 23 1973 Joseph DeAngelo Exeter PD
June 10 1973 Visalia Ransacker Charles Avery Dula Residence
July 31 1973 Visalia Burglar Charles Avery Dula Residence
October 10 1973 Visalia Arsonist Charles Avery Dula Residence
June 28 1987 Visalia Ransacker Charles Avery Dula Residence
December 26 1975 Donna Jo Richmond Murder
Interview with Avery Dula January 2 1976
Avery Dula: I’m not positive but I believe it was around noon.
Robert Pettyjohn: where did you see him?
Avery Dula: He was at my ranch.
Robert Pettyjohn: at your home?
Robert Pettyjohn: was there a particular reason for his coming over?
Avery Dula: not that I know of.
Robert Pettyjohn: did he help you do anything at what you were working at?
Robert Pettyjohn: how long was he there, Mr. Dula?
Avery Dula: approximatly thirty to 45 minutes.