Date: 12/30/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Carjacking
Crime Scene: 145 U St.
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: 241 V St.
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Patrick Hull was stabbed in his hand and leg. Police said they believed his death was related to a carjacking nearby that occurred about an hour before in the 100 block of U Street. Police said they were looking for a grey 2014 Camry with license plate 7cjk149.

Date: 12/26/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1107 East Planz Road
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Police said a man was shot near Hollywood Market on east Planz Road just before 8 p.m.. Police initially said the man's wounds were major, but as first responders attempted to save the man, his diagnosis appeared grim. His body was eventually covered with a yellow tarp. Police found several bullet casings nearby. This was the second deadly shooting in Bakersfield in less than eleven hours. Police haven't released any details on the shooting or any suspect information. About a month after the shooting, BPD put out information that an anonymous caller reached out to KCSO and asked that person to contact Detective Fred Torres at 326-3273.

Date: 12/26/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 500 block of east 3rd street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Investigators said a man's body was found the day after Christmas in the 500 block of east 3rd street. When they arrived just after 9:45 a.m., they found the 31-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to Kern Medical where he died. There are no other details available yet.

Date: 12/18/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 701 Meyer St.
Zip Code: 93203
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Arvin Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Police responded to a check the welfare call around 2:30 a.m. at the Kern Housing Authority on Meyer Street in Arvin. That's where they found the Marcus DeLouth's body on a sidewalk. Police said he was shot multiple times. DeLouth graduated from Golden Valley High School where he played football. His mother described him as a great person who got along with everyone. His death remains unsolved. If you have any information on this case, call investigator Calderon at 661-854-5583.

Date: 12/13/2016
Cause of death: Not released
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Child death
Crime Scene: 413 Wilma St.
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Undisclosed
Incident: According to the sheriff's department, Itzel Lazaro was taken to Kern Medical after experiencing medical complications. She was transported to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital for further treatment. KCSO said her condition worsened and she was pronounced dead three days after being admitted to the hospital.

Date: 12/12/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: White
Category: Officer-involved shooting
Crime Scene: 7912 Silver Birch Ave.
Zip Code: 93313
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Officer(s) cleared
Incident: Francisco Serna was shot and killed by a Bakersfield police officer in a southwest Bakersfield neighborhood. The officer was one of six responding to a report of a man who allegedly had a gun. The person who called 9-1-1 told the dispatcher the man brandished a revolver. Police Chief Lyle Martin said Serna didn't respond to the officers commands to take his hands out of his pockets and to stop walking toward them. Martin said Serna was not armed. Martin said officer Reagan Selman -- who fired seven shots at Serna -- joined the BPD in July 2015. Martin said Selman has never been involved in an officer-involved shooting prior to this incident. Records show Selman was involved in an altercation during an arrest downtown in June.

Date: 12/08/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Domestic violence
Crime Scene: Mt. Vernon Avenue, just north of Flower Street
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: The day after a pregnant woman was reported missing, under suspicious circumstances, her body was found in the backseat of her car after her boyfriend led deputies on a slow-speed pursuit. Katrina Rivera was 9 months pregnant. Her boyfriend, Manuel Vela, told 17 News in a jailhouse interview he killed her by chocking and punching her. Vela said he drove around with her body in the backseat for six or seven hours before he pulled over and cut the baby out of her womb with a razor blade. Sheriff's deputies followed up on a reported sighting of Vela and he led deputies on a slow-speed pursuit, reportedly hitting multiple cars along the way and attempting to hit a CHP officer. Deputies stopped the Hyundai at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Flower Street and said they discovered Rivera's body inside. Witnesses reported Vela ran from the vehicle with the baby in his arms. Sheriff's officials said he then left the baby, and continued running and was eventually taken into custody. Vela told 17 News he is the Antichrist and he killed his pregnant girlfriend for his god. While he was in jail, Vela killed himself.

Date: 12/08/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Domestic violence
Crime Scene: Mt. Vernon Avenue, just north of Flower Street
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: The day after a pregnant woman was reported missing, under suspicious circumstances, her body was found in the backseat of her car after her boyfriend led deputies on a slow-speed pursuit. Katrina Rivera was 9 months pregnant. Her boyfriend, Manuel Vela, told 17 News in a jailhouse interview he killed her by chocking and punching her. Vela said he drove around with her body in the backseat for six or seven hours before he pulled over and cut the baby out of her womb with a razor blade. Sheriff's deputies followed up on a reported sighting of Vela and he led deputies on a slow-speed pursuit, reportedly hitting multiple cars along the way and attempting to hit a CHP officer. Deputies stopped the Hyundai at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Flower Street and said they discovered Rivera's body inside. Witnesses reported Vela ran from the vehicle with the baby in his arms. Sheriff's officials said he then left the baby, and continued running and was eventually taken into custody. Vela told 17 News he is the Antichrist and he killed his pregnant girlfriend for his god. While he was in jail, Vela killed himself.

Date: 11/21/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Robbery
Crime Scene: 1430 E. Truxtun Ave.
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Court documents state Enrique Suarez and an unidentified man were trying to break into a mini market when Suarez was shot and killed. Documents state video shows the two men cutting the fence at the Triangle Mini Mart. As the two attempted to break into the store, police said video shows the door of an adjoining trailer open and a muzzle flash from a pistol as Suarez fell to the ground. Suarez died from his wound. The accomplice ran away. Victor Sanchez Callo was sentenced to six years in prison. He pleaded no contest to one count of voluntary manslaughter. In exchange, a first-degree murder charge, which would have required evidence of pre-meditation and intent to kill, was dismissed.

Date: 11/16/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma and asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Undisclosed
Crime Scene: A half mile east of South Fairfax street and north of Di Giorgio Road
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Farm workers found a body in an almond orchard near the intersection of DiGorgio Road and south Fairfax Road, west of Lamont. The coroner has not released the person's identity. The sheriff's department hasn't said if it was a man or woman, but said it appeared to be an adult. Sheriff's officials said the body had obvious signs of trauma.

Date: 11/11/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1309 Bernard St.
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Exavier Tappin was found shot to death near the intersection of Miller and Bernard streets. This was the second deadly shooting on this block in as many days. Sheriff's officials said Tappin was shot at least once. No suspect information has been released.

Date: 11/10/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1228 Pearl St.
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Brandon Fanning was shot to death in east Bakersfield. Sheriff's officials said Fanning was shot several times in the upper body. Fanning was found on a Thursday night around 11 p.m. near N & H Market. We spoke with a family member who said Fanning was goofy, loving and always around his family. Sheriff's officials said no witnesses have come forward and there is no suspect information. The next day, another man was shot to death nearby. Sheriff's officials have not said if these shootings are related.

Date: 10/18/2016
Cause of death: Multiple Gunshots
Victim's Race: Undisclosed
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Remains found
Crime Scene: Claymine Road, North Edwards
Zip Code: 93523
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: The Kern County Sheriff's Office said the unidentified remains of a human body found in North Edwards is the result of a homicide. Court documents reveal sheriff's deputies were called October 18th, to investigate human remains found on a hill in eastern Kern County. Documents state deputies found a severed human head next to a shallow grave, where the rest of the body was buried. The documents state the body was obviously placed there by another person. KCSO said it has yet to identify the victim or cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing.

Date: 10/15/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 537 Pepper Drive
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene.
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: On October 15, 2016, Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a man down at a business in the 500 block of Pepper Drive in Bakersfield. Deputies arrived and located a deceased male suffering from a gunshot wound. After an investigation, it was determined the victim was shot by an unknown suspect. The case has been turned over to homicide detectives and is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110, or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.

Date: 10/14/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Black
Category: Suspected gang robbery
Crime Scene: 9701 Main St, Lamont
Zip Code: 93241
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Bullets went flying into the Quality Gas Station in Lamont, killing a father and son, who owned the business. Family members said Juan Aceves, 27, and his father, Heriberto Aceves, planned to sell the Quality Gas Station. A Friday morning in October, three men, two who were armed, walked into the store and demanded money. Surveillance video shows Heriberto Aceves frantically going through his pockets, handing over items to a robber, who hasn't been identified. After more than a minute of being pistol whipped and held at gunpoint, Heriberto Aceves pulls out a gun and fires at the robber. The robber fires back. Video shows the store owner fall to the ground. Gunpowder filled the air as he fired in the direction of the two other robbers who investigators say are Darnell Hammond and Myron Givan. Video shows the unidentified robber run out of the store. Investigators said Hammond stayed back, killing Juan Aceves and taking money from the cash register. Juan Aceves and Heriberto Aceves died at the scene. Sheriff's officials said Hammond ran from the gas station and the three other men drove off, possibly an early 1990s brown Nissan Sentra. Family members were distraught as they learned of the deaths. Judge Colette Humphrey determined there was insufficient evidence to bound Givan over for trial. Charges against him were dismissed. Two other defendants: Jim Langston and Darnell Hammond, are still facing murder charges in connection with the case.

Date: 10/14/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Black
Category: Suspected gang robbery
Crime Scene: 9701 Main St, Lamont
Zip Code: 93241
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Bullets went flying into the Quality Gas Station in Lamont, killing a father and son, who owned the business. Family members said Juan Aceves, 27, and his father, Heriberto Aceves, planned to sell the Quality Gas Station. A Friday morning in October, three men, two who were armed, walked into the store and demanded money. Surveillance video shows Heriberto Aceves frantically going through his pockets, handing over items to a robber, who hasn't been identified. After more than a minute of being pistol whipped and held at gunpoint, Heriberto Aceves pulls out a gun and fires at the robber. The robber fires back. Video shows the store owner fall to the ground. Gunpowder filled the air as he fired in the direction of the two other robbers who investigators say are Darnell Hammond and Myron Givan. Video shows the unidentified robber run out of the store. Investigators said Hammond stayed back, killing Juan Aceves and taking money from the cash register. Juan Aceves and Heriberto Aceves died at the scene. Sheriff's officials said Hammond ran from the gas station and the three other men drove off, possibly an early 1990s brown Nissan Sentra. Family members were distraught as they learned of the deaths. Judge Colette Humphrey determined there was insufficient evidence to bound Givan over for trial. Charges against him were dismissed. Two other defendants: Jim Langston and Darnell Hammond, are still facing murder charges in connection with the case.

Date: 10/06/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 14800 block of Lamberson Avenue, Lost Hills
Zip Code: 93251
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Fredy Lopez Perez was stabbed to death around 4 a.m. in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Lost Hills. Investigators said Perez and Daniel Hernandez Ruiz were hanging out when, for unknown reasons, they got into a fight. The sheriff's department report shows Ruiz claimed Perez pulled a knife and as they struggled. Perez was allegedly stabbed in the neck with his own knife. Ruiz was found three hours later at a nearby home. Ruiz said Perez threatened to kill him and his family, therefore Ruiz claimed self defense. Ruiz was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Date: 10/03/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 700 block of L Street
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: A local hospital
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Braylen Smith man was killed in a shooting in the 700 block of L Street. He was one of three men shot just before 10 p.m. October 3. Police said they found the three victims at two separate crime scenes in the same block. All three men were taken to a local hospital. Two suffered non-life threatening wounds. Smith suffered a serious wound and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The coroner determined he died of multiple gunshot wounds. Police said, at the time, there was no suspect information.

Date: 10/03/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma and asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Undisclosed
Category: In-custody death
Crime Scene: 1800 block of Lacey Street
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: San Joaquin Community Hospital
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Officer(s) cleared
Incident: A critical incident review board determined two Bakersfield police officers acted within department policy during an arrest of a man who later died. The coroner determined Jose Vilorio died from blunt force trauma and neck compression. Police said Vilorio was arrested for threatening a woman with a machete. They said Vilorio resisted arrest, so they had to use physical force. He later died in the hospital after officers realized he wasn't breathing. The critical incident review board determined that all force used by officers McIrvin and Burdick were within department policy, and within state and federal guidelines.

Date: 09/30/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: A field on Schuster Road, a half mile east of Benner Avenue in Delano.
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Francisco Casarreal Rivera was found shot to death in truck in a Delano field. It's not clear how long his body had been there. Rivera was from McFarland. The sheriff's department hasn't released any suspect information.

Date: 09/08/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: Black
Category: Accidental shooting
Crime Scene: 2600 block of 25th Street West in Rosamond
Zip Code: 93560
Place of Death: Antelope Valley Hospital
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Al McCraig, known to his friends as Manman, was shot and killed inside a Rosamond duplex. Sheriff's officials initially said the teen accidentally shot himself in the chest with a shotgun. Investigators later determined he was shot by Deon Davison, 19. Deputies detained Davison and a 16-year-old, who were in the apartment when the shooting happened. Detectives searched the apartment and found a shotgun inside. Both the Davison and 16-year-old were interviewed and released. Investigators later determined Davison fired the gun. Davison pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to one year in jail and five years probation. McCraig was a freshman at Rosamond High School. He was a running back on the junior varsity football team. Friends said he loved his family and sports.

Date: 09/08/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 7900 block of Doney Street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Luis Ayala was shot to death in the 7900 block of Doney Street, near Weedpatch Highway. Ayala's body found on the side of the road. Officials said the Ayala and Francisco Renteria got into a fight on the side of the road. Renteria allegedly pulled a gun out and shot Ayala multiple times. Renteria turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Renteria was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. He is being held on $500,000 bail.

Date: 09/04/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 137 West 15th Ave, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Carlos Razo Cervantes, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of killing Jeffrey Eric Villegas, 51, and Jose Ceja Pacheco, 30. Delano police said they issued a search warrant at the home of Cervantes, in the same neighborhood where the shooting took place. Authorities said Cervantes described the motive as simply being jealousy, but would not elaborate. According to neighbors, Pacheco was found inside the home and Villegas found outside. Family of Villegas said he lived at the home but they don't know who Pacheco was. Villegas' brother told 17 News the shooting was over money.

Date: 09/04/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 137 West 15th Ave, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Carlos Razo Cervantes, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of killing Jeffrey Eric Villegas, 51, and Jose Ceja Pacheco, 30. Delano police said they issued a search warrant at the home of Cervantes, in the same neighborhood where the shooting took place. Authorities said Cervantes described the motive as simply being jealousy, but would not elaborate. According to neighbors, Pacheco was found inside the home and Villegas found outside. Family of Villegas said he lived at the home but they don't know who Pacheco was. Villegas' brother told 17 News the shooting was over money.

Date: 08/24/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Gang shooting
Crime Scene: 11th Avenue at Glenwood Street, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Delano Police responded to reports of a major vehicle collision on 11th Avenue and Glenwood Street the morning of August 24. Orlando Morales, 34, was found dead inside the vehicle. Detectives later determined Morales actually died of a gunshot wound and then subsequently crashed. An investigation led to the arrest of Pete Santiago, 21, and Jose Medrano, 22. Madrano was convicted of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors proved during trial the murder was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Santiago pleaded no contest to assault with a firearm, and four other felony counts were dropped. He was sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Date: 08/20/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 4561 Reeves Ave, Inyokern
Zip Code: 93555
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: According to the coroner's office, Jesus Torres, 30, was shot in the head. A sheriff's spokesman said Torres was shot during an altercation with an unnamed person. That person in the suspected shooter. Torres was taken to Kern Medical where he died.

Date: 08/18/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: White
Category: Officer-involved shooting
Crime Scene: 800 Block of Mcnew Court
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Officer(s) cleared
Incident: Police said Francisco Villarreal, 37, was killed by Bakersfield police. He was a passenger in a car who led police on a 4 1/2 mile pursuit in southeast Bakersfield. Police said an officer was tried to pull over the driver, Marisol Lopez, for vehicle code violations. The driver refused to stop, leading police on a chase. When the chase ended, police said Villarreal ran and fired several rounds at officers. Officers returned fire, killing Villarreal. Lopez and a passenger, Nick Valenzuela, were arrested. Police said a female passenger was released. The officers involved in the shooting were identified by BPD as senior officer Shane Shaff with 14 years of service, officer Brady Barber with 4 years of service, officer Brockett Mueller, officer Steven Mayberry, and officer Brianna Pace, all three with one year of service. During a vigil a friend said Villarreal was a husband, father, soon and a good neighbor. The friend said Villarreal did a lot of good with his life and he would be remembered for how he lived, not how he died. Police said Villarreal was also wanted in connection with a shooting that happened the day before he was killed. In that case, police said he was arguing with a woman near Owens Elementary School when he shot another man who tried to intervene.

Date: 08/10/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 901 McNew Ct.
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Deputies found Markus Jones, 24, lying in the street. He was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Jones was transported to Kern Medical where he died. No arrests have been made.

Date: 08/07/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Hit-and-run
Crime Scene: 3215 Chester Ave.
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Frank Jacob Hillman was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. Hillman is accused of hitting and killing Shawn Eric Bivins with his car and driving off. The two men reportedly got into a fight in the parking lot of the Tower Motel. Hillman later returned and was taken into custody.

Date: 08/02/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 2763 Sierra Highway, Rosamond
Zip Code: 93560
Place of Death: Unknown
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Adam King was left with severe head injuries after a 2007 bar fight in Rosamond. His mother told LA Daily News he was in a drug-induced coma at that time. She said he suffered a collapsed lung and underwent two brain surgeries. The sheriff's department said King and another man were involved in a fight at MyPlace Lounge. Nine years after the altercation, sheriff's officials said King died due to injuries from that fight. It's unclear if anyone was arrested in connection with his death.

Date: 08/01/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Possible domestic violence
Crime Scene: 438 S. Oildale Drive
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Suspect identified - no charges filed
Incident: Ladd Chase was stabbed multiple times. Deputies found him lying in the the road. Abrianna Ringgold, 22, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. The District Attorney's office sent the case back to the sheriff's department for further investigation. Ringgold has not been charged. Officials did not release information on a possible motive or the relationship between Ringgold and Chase. Family members said it was a case of domestic violence.

Date: 07/30/2016
Cause of death: Hypertrophic heart disease with other significant condition of blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 2116 Kentucky St.
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kindred Hospital, West Covina
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Suspect identified - no charges filed
Incident: According to the sheriff's office, David Esparza, 50, was struck over the head July 10 in east Bakersfield. KCSO reported a suspect has been identified, but has not yet been arrested. The suspect's name has not been released. Esparza was transported to Kern Medical for treatment, but was later taken to Kindred Hospital in West Covina on July 27, where he died on July 30.

Date: 07/24/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 519 El Tejon Avenue
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: N/A
Incident: Mike Kennedy was shot and killed by a suspect who later took his own life. Christopher Gray shot himself in a northwest Bakersfield neighborhood after stealing ammunition from Walmart. Another man, Ricky Gray, was also killed.

Date: 07/22/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 519 El Tejon Avenue
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: N/A
Incident: Ricky Gray was shot and killed by his nephew, Christopher Gray. Christopher Gray later took his own life in a northwest Bakersfield neighborhood after stealing ammunition from Walmart. Another man, Mike Kennedy, was also killed.

Date: 07/21/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Prison death
Crime Scene: Kern Valley State Prison, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Jason Christner, 39, was found unresponsive in his cell. Prison officials named Christner's cellmate, Joseph Dorsey, 31, as a suspect. Dorsey was charged, but two years later, the case still hasn't gotten underway. Dorsey is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder out of Riverside County. Christner was serving a two-year sentence for burglary.

Date: 07/19/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 3800 block of K Street
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Tyrone Johnson was found shot to death inside a parked car in the 3800 block of K Street. Police said he was shot multiple times. No arrests have been made.

Date: 07/18/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Suspected gang shooting/stray bullet
Crime Scene: 2905 Belle Terrace Avenue #5
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Miguel Bravo was hit by what sheriff's officials believe was a stray bullet fired at party. Fourteen other people were wounded, making it the largest mass shooting in Bakersfield. Both his family and the sheriff's department said Bravo appeared to have been sleeping next to the door on a mattress, because it's the coolest place in his tiny apartment. A stray bullet is believed to have gone through the door of his apartment. Sheriff's officials said there were more than 100 witnesses to the mass shooting. No arrests have been made. The sheriff's departments confirmed two rival gangs were involved in the shooting, but will not release the names of the gangs to avoid glorifying the incident.

Date: 07/18/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: Alley of the 3100 block of Monterey Street
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Patrick Martinez, Jr., 35, was found in an alley suffering from several gunshot wounds to his upper body. Martinez died at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Date: 07/18/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: East Indian
Accused's Race: Black & Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 800 block of 8th Street
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Saddam Ali, 25, was shot outside a convenience store in the 800 block of 8th Street, between P and Q Streets. Ali's wife and three children were just feet away from him as he was shot repeatedly. According to court documents, Wendell Scott and Albert Montelongo confessed to shooting and killing Ali. When he was asked why, Scott reportedly said it was because Ali belonged to a rival gang. Scott and Montelongo are charged with murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancements. The medical examiner said that even though Ali was shot through the chest, the fatal bullet was the one that severed an artery in his leg, causing him to bleed to death. Ali's brother was killed in 2017.

Date: 07/16/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Domestic violence
Crime Scene: 6802 Slickrock Drive
Zip Code: 93313
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Rosa Garibay's body was found on a mountain side off of State Route 33 at mile marker 43.99 (https://goo.gl/maps/19v3a8N9xdw), near Ojai. The coroner determined she was strangled. According to police reports, Gonzalo Garibay confessed to killing his wife. The reports state he tracked his wife to a hotel, where he found her with another man. The two later argued about alleged infidelity at home. The reports state the argument turned physical, with Gonzalo Garibay eventually punched and strangled her, leaving her body in a bathtub. The report states Gonzalo Garibay attempted CPR when realized she was not breathing, but was unsuccessful. Gonzalo eventually told police he placed her body in the trunk of the couple's car and drove off to a remote area where he threw her over the side of a steep embankment. He reportedly led police to her body. Gonzalo Garibay, is charged with first-degree murder.

Date: 07/15/2016
Cause of death: Miscarriage ruled homicide
Victim's Race: Undisclosed
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Miscarriage
Crime Scene: Undisclosed
Zip Code: Undisclosed
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Undisclosed
Incident: The sheriff's office didn't release any information on this homicide.

Date: 07/01/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 3700 block of Q Street
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: William Wandick, 21, was shot in the 3700 block of Q Street in Bakersfield. Police said two people dropped him off at a local hospital. He was later transported to Kern Medical where his condition declined until his death. The BPD said there weren't any witnesses or suspects. Wandick was one of five teens convicted of beating an 81-year-old man to death in an alley in 2008. The district attorney who prosecuted the case said Wandick served six years in prison for killing Ezequiel Perez. Wandick admitted his involvement and was sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors said the teens had gang ties. He was only 13 years old when the crime took place. Wandick was released in 2014. Earlier in 2016, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property, a firearm, and on gang-related charges. No one has been arrested in connection to the deadly shooting on Q street.

Date: 07/01/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 2000 block of South J Street
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Dejon Nellium was shot in the 2000 block of South J St in south Bakersfield. Detectives determined the victim was walking down the street when he was approached by a vehicle and shot by one of the occupants. At this time, the suspects are unknown and the motive is unknown.

Date: 06/26/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Strangled
Crime Scene: 10400 Heather Ave., California City
Zip Code: 93505
Place of Death: Central Park
Agency: California City Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Deverrie Schiller's body was found at Central Park in California City. Officers said her body was in a secluded area behind a building at the park. She lived with her mother, Deb Schiller, who she also took care of. Her mom said Deverrie went to the store around 10 p.m. on June 25. She told her mother she'd be right back, but when she didn't return, her mother said she instantly knew something was wrong. The next day, a group of young boys found Deverrie's body in a park just across the street from her home. The coroner determined she was strangled to death.

Date: 06/19/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 5400 block of California Avenue
Zip Code: 93309
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Carlton Mosley, 22, was gunned down in the parking lot of Hookah Lounge and Cigar on California Avenue near Stockdale Highway. Another man showed up at a hospital with non-life threatening wounds. BPD said the lounge was a known gang hangout. Mosley was the grandson of community activist, Isaiah Crompton. No arrests have been made.

Date: 06/14/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 6612 Franklin Ave.
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges dismissed
Incident: Joice Rush was was accused of fatally shooting her son in June. A court found there isn't enough evidence to prove she was not acting in self-defense. According to court documents, the two were arguing through the front screen door the night of June 14. Brian Rush, 31, reportedly tried to make his way in the home when his mother shot him. The prosecution is not expected to refile the case. Prosecutors said her age and the family history were factors in that decision. A search of Brian Rush brought up 13 different arrests dating back to 2005. In 2007, Joice Rush filed a temporary restraining order against her son and the stated cause was domestic violence. Joice Rush was charged with second-degree murder with a gun enhancement, with a possible maximum sentence of life in prison. A judge determined there was not enough evidence to go to trial. The case was dismissed.

Date: 06/13/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Stabbing
Crime Scene: Orange orchard near S. Comanche Drive and Edison Highway
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Marcos Galiote-Xochicale's body was found in the an orange orchard, with obvious signs of trauma. Initially, the coroner was not able to identify the body. Three months after his body was found, the coroner released his name. An autopsy determined he died of multiple stab wounds.

Date: 06/08/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 9th Avenue and Fremont Street, Delano
Zip Code: 93309
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Alanzo Estrada was parked in a gas station parking lot at 9th Avenue and Fremont Street in Delano. Police released surveillance video showed Estrada kneeling down next to his car. Delano police say a light colored four door vehicle pulled up along the curb. It appeared one of the people in the car called Estrada over. Someone in the car then opened fire striking Estrada.

Date: 06/05/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: Black
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 4809 Hahn Ave., Apt. #51
Zip Code: 93309
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Police found Stacey Duran Vaughn unconscious on the ground at an apartment complex. His adult son, Kyri Vaughn, is accused of throwing a rock at him causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on a light pole. According to police reports, Kyri Vaughn told investigators he had been smoking spice before the incident. He also reportedly told police he had been smoking the synthetic marijuana for two weeks, but said it didn't have any negative affects on him. Judge John Somers determined Kyri Vaughn was mentally incompetent to stand trial. Judge Somers referred to Kern County Mental Health for further evaluation.

Date: 06/01/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting/pot shop shooting
Crime Scene: 247 South Union Ave.
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Moises Aguilar-Lopez, 19, was killed outside the Green Hut pot shop on Union Avenue. According to court documents, Aguilar-Lopez asked the accused shooter, Miguel Angel Tinoco, 16, what gang he was with. Tinoco reportedly told him "okie bakers." Documents state Aguilar-Lopez was with the "varrio bakers." After those answers, police said Tinoco pulled a glock style handgun and opened fire. Aguilar-Lopez suffered two gunshot wounds to the head and died at the scene. A teenage girl who was with him suffered minor wounds. Tinoco who was a minor at the time of the shooting, was charged as an adult. As part of a plea deal, Tinoco pleaded guilty to assault with a firearm, two counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle and voluntary manslaughter. A charge of first-degree murder was dropped. The district attorney's office said he agreed to 36 years and 4 months in prison. Raquel Grejada was convicted of accessory. She was sentenced to 41 days in jail. Jose Rubio was also convicted of accessory. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail.

Date: 05/28/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 300 block of Wood Street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Gonzalo Mojica, 18, was shot while riding his bike near the Bakersfield Police Activities League. He was taken to Kern Medical where he was pronounced dead. The suspects were described as two Hispanic men in a white compact vehicle. No arrests have been made.

Date: 05/28/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1801 Isil Ave.
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Alfred Garcia was shot during a house party. Two other teens were wounded.

Date: 05/26/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 2222 Norwalk St., Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: Delano Regional Med. Center
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Ricardo Martinez, 40, was shot at 2222 Norwalk St. in Delano. He died at Delano Regional Medical Center. There have been no arrests.

Date: 05/17/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Strangled
Crime Scene: 200 Lincoln Ave., Apt. #2
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: On the afternoon of May 17, relatives found the body of Jack Euris Perrigo in his apartment in Oildale. Eleven hours later, sheriff’s deputies arrested Eloy Quezada Rubalcaba, 32. Two days after that, Rubalcaba was arrested. A jury convicted him of first-degree murder. Rubalcaba was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Date: 05/16/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1600 block of Reese Avenue
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: At seven minutes after midnight, Jurrel Jasper, 24, was coming home from working the night shift when he was shot in front of his home in the 1600 block of Reese Avenue. He died in his mother's arms as his wife and 3-year-old son watched. There have been no arrests.

Date: 05/11/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: Madison Street and Del Mar Avenue
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Benjamin Mendoza, 31, was found in the area of Madison Street and Del Mar Drive in Bakersfield. He was shot to death. Jeffrey Tapia, Ricky Cortez and Daniel Marquez were charged with murder. According to court documents, deputies said Tapia shot and killed Mendoza after the four men got into an argument with Mendoza over a gun Cortez allegedly sold him. Deputies said the whole incident was caught on a security camera and Tapia confessed during an interview. Documents state Tapia and Marquez are both documented east side baker's gang members.

Date: 05/11/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 500 block of Monroe Street, Arvin
Zip Code: 93203
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Arvin Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Alfredo Torres, 34, was found shot to death in Arvin. There have been no arrests in this case, according to Arvin police.

Date: 05/10/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 4000 block of O Street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Police found Rontae Patterson, 37, shot to death in the driver's seat of a car. Ashley McFadden was also killed. She was found nearby on the ground. Family said she was 12 weeks pregnant. According to police reports, a vehicle was seen driving slow and with its lights off, entering the area of O Street and 34th Street early that morning. Minutes later, the same vehicle sped away from the area. Police said there is video surveillance, but say it's such poor quality, you cannot make out anything other than the fact that there is a car. Police said several shots were fired and two different caliber shell casings were found at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Date: 05/10/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 4000 block of O Street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Ashley McFadden was also shot to death in a neighborhood. Police found her on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Family said she was 12 weeks pregnant. Police also found Rontae Patterson, 37, shot to death in the driver's seat of a car. According to police reports, a vehicle was seen driving slow and with its lights off, entering the area of O Street and 34th Street early that morning. Minutes later, the same vehicle sped away from the area. Police said there is video surveillance, but say it's such poor quality, you cannot make out anything other than the fact that there is a car. Police said several shots were fired and two different caliber shell casings were found at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Date: 05/06/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: Cannon Avenue at Cottonwood Road
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Deputies said there was a confrontation in the parking lot of a shopping center. It escalated and Benny Ward, 29, was shot several times. There have been no arrests in this case.

Date: 05/05/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 800 block of P Street at Lowell Park
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Damien Wafford was shot to death in broad daylight at Lowell Park. According to police reports, Wafford was with his uncle at the park when two to four men walked up and asked Wafford where he was from. Wafford reportedly said west side. That's when police said the men pulled a gun and fired between five to nine shots. Police said Wafford was struck in the neck and died at the scene. According to documents, the suspect, Nicholas Lancaster, told officers the homicide was gang-related as he was a member of the east bakers Hispanic criminal street gang. Lancaster has pleaded not guilty to several felony charges including first-degree murder, participating in a gang, an possession of a firearm by a felon. Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said Lancaster is eligible for the death penalty. Marcus Melgoza was initially charged with accessory, but that charge was later dismissed. Deon Martinez was charged with weapons violations related to the case.

Date: 04/30/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 5706 Lily Pad Court
Zip Code: 93312
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Kim Higginbotham and her husband, Chris, were found shot to death at their Bakersfield home. Her son, Derek Connell, 29, is accused of killing them. According to police reports, The Higginbotham's gunshot wounds were consistent with someone holding up their arms to block their face. The report also states Connell attempted to clean up the scene, bleach poured over his step-father's body and bleach remnants found on Connell. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled January 2018.

Date: 04/30/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 5706 Lily Pad Court
Zip Code: 93312
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Chris Higginbotham and his wife, Kim, were found shot to death at their Bakersfield home. His stepson, Derek Connell, 29, is accused of killing them. According to police reports, The Higginbotham's gunshot wounds were consistent with someone holding up their arms to block their face. The report also states Connell attempted to clean up the scene, bleach poured over his step-father's body and bleach remnants found on Connell. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled January 2018.

Date: 04/30/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 1000 block of Water Street
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Anthony Rene Collazo was shot multiple times while riding his bike on Water Street in front of the Aqua Terrace Apartments. He died at Kern Medical. Sheriff's deputies arrested Christopher Valenzuela, 30, on suspicion of murder and participating in a gang.

Date: 04/30/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Stabbing
Crime Scene: 300 block of Asti Street, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: Delano Regional Medical Center
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Alan Wesley Hurt, 42, had been stabbed in the 300 block of Asti Street in Delano. Police said Hurt was walking down the street when he was stabbed once for no apparent reason. He died at Delano Regional Medical Center. There have been no arrests.

Date: 04/28/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 700 block of Ellington Street, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: Delano Regional Medical Center
Agency: Delano Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Marcus Cardenas, 20, had been stabbed in the 700 block of Ellington Street in Delano. He died at Delano Regional Medical Center. Delano police said there have been no arrests.

Date: 04/25/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Home invasion
Crime Scene: 4505 Tierra Verde St. #A
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: David Elisha Mercado was shot and killed during a home invasion near Garces Memorial High School. Police said a man broke into the apartment on Tierra Verde and began shooting. Mercado and another man were taken to Kern Medical, where Mercado died. The other victim was expected to survive.

Date: 04/24/2016
Cause of death:
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Child abuse
Crime Scene: 1301 Chester Avenue
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident:

Date: 04/23/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 800 block of T Street
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: The body of Justin Coker was found in the backyard of a home near 8th and T Streets. Police said they believe he was shot at a nearby intersection. There have been no arrests in this case.

Date: 04/21/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 622 Water St. #D
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Jesus Basillo Sital, 32, was found dead inside an apartment in the 600 block of Water Street. There have been no arrests. KCSO is investigating. There are no suspects.

Date: 04/06/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Prison death
Crime Scene: Kern Valley State Prison
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: Delano Regional Medical Center
Agency: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Johnny Montenegro, 27 died at Delano Regional Medical Center. The coroner's office determined he was strangled. Renick De Anda, Montenegro's cellmate at Kern Valley State Prison was named as a suspect. He was not charged until two years later.

Date: 04/04/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 907 N. Chester Ave.
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: San Joaquin Community Hospital
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: The sheriff's office didn't release any information on the death of Brandon Long until seven months after he died. The coroner sent out a news release in December stating Long was assaulted at the Long Branch Saloon in Oildale March 28. According to the coroner, Long later died from his injuries. Officials didn't release any other information. It's unknown if there are any suspects in this case.

Date: 03/31/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Stabbing
Crime Scene: 1300 block of Uffert Street
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: Sherman Oaks Hospital
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Jimmy Hernandez, 51, was stabbed in the 1300 block of Uffert Street June 30, 2015. He died at Sherman Oaks Hospital on March 31, 2016. The coroner's office determined Hernandez's death as a homicide. There have been no arrests in this case, according to deputies.

Date: 03/22/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1000 block of Knotts Street
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Maceio McCurn, 18, was shot to death in the 1000 block of Knotts Street. Family members say he was walking home when he was shot multiple times. They say he was alone and there weren't any witnesses. The family said he was a high school senior. There have been no arrests in this case.

Date: 03/16/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Family violence
Crime Scene: 10029 Casey Road, Delano
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Gaudina Mejorado was stabbed to death. Her body was found lying in a Delano driveway. Her daughter, Maria Mejorado, admitted to killing her. Relatives said violence was a symptom of Maria Mejorado's long-standing battle with mental illness. Maria Mejorado told 17 News in a jailhouse interview she stopped taking her meds about a year before the stabbing and just smoked marijuana. She said she was well aware of what she was doing and planned it because she felt she was in danger. Maria Mejorado was found mentally incompetent to stand trial. She pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. It was determined she was mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Date: 03/09/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Domestic violence
Crime Scene: 10900 Rankin Ave., Weldon
Zip Code: 93283
Place of Death: Kaiser Panorama City Medical Center
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Sally Hernandez was left paralyzed after being assaulted by her boyfriend in Weldon four years ago. Hernandez died of complications from her injuries. She was hospitalized when she passed away in March. The coroner's office said her death was caused by medical complications linked to the broken neck she suffered after being assaulted by Roman Jimenez in 2012. He pleaded no contest to a charge of felony spousal abuse. Jiminez was sentenced to five years in Wasco State Prison. Her death is now being treated as a homicide. The investigation is on-going as to whether Jiminez will face additional charges.

Date: 03/07/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: East alley of 200 block of San Lucas Drive, McFarland
Zip Code: 93250
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: McFarland Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Steven Ramirez, 48, was found by McFarland police in the 200 block of San Lucas Street. He died from multiple gunshot wounds. There have been no arrests.

Date: 03/04/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic and Black
Category: Suspected gang stabbing
Crime Scene: 5200 block of Gaylene Avenue
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Fausto Guzman Flores was stabbed to death. Miguel Santiago, Jr. is accused of the stabbing. According to court documents, Flores tried to sell drugs to Santiago and two other men, Spencer Rhines, 22, and Isaiah Fontana, 20. An argument followed between the men leading up to the stabbing. All three men have been charged. Santiago who was 17 at time has been charged as an adult. His trial is scheduled to begin in January. Rhines and Ness took plea deals. Rhines pleaded no contest to felony assault with a deadly weapon. In exchange, two other felonies and one misdemeanor were dropped. He was sentenced to a year in prison. Ness pleaded no contest to felony assault and one felony and one misdemeanor were dropped. Sentencing is scheduled for Ness January 31, 2017.

Date: 03/03/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 7900 block of Phillips Street, Lamont
Zip Code: 93241
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Jesus Alberto Bustamante, 27, of Lamont was shot in the 7900 block of Phillips Street in Lamont. He died a couple hours later at Kern Medical. There have been no arrests, KCSO is investigating.

Date: 02/28/2016
Cause of death: Undisclosed
Victim's Race: Undisclosed
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Undisclosed
Crime Scene: Undisclosed
Zip Code: Undisclosed
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Undisclosed
Incident: The Kern County Sheriff's Office is investigating an unknown homicide that occurred on February 28. Sheriff's officials said they would not release information on the case for investigative reasons.

Date: 02/27/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Assault
Crime Scene: 1622 Union Ave.
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Michael Edwin Parham was beaten Feb. 23 in the 1600 block of Union Avenue. He died four days later at Kern Medical. There have been no arrests. Bakersfield police are investigating. Cause of death blunt force head trauma, according to the coroner's office.

Date: 02/22/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: White
Category: Officer-involved shooting
Crime Scene: 601 Truxtun Ave.
Zip Code: 93301
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Officer(s) cleared
Incident: Jamie Clark Long, 45, of Ventura was shot to death by Bakersfield police officers at the Amtrak Station on Truxtun Avenue. Video showed Long was armed with a knife as he was approaching officers in the bus parking area. Detective Bildt shot and killed Long when he refused orders to stand down. Bildt was put on paid administrative leave pending an official review of the shooting. In April 2016, the shooting review board determined the shots fired were justified and within policy. Bildt returned to active duty.

Date: 02/21/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: Black
Category: Assault
Crime Scene: 820 Real Road
Zip Code: 93309
Place of Death: Mercy Hospital
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: Chris Brown was shot outside a bowling alley in southwest Bakersfield. The coroner determined Brown died of blunt force trauma. Orlando Bailey, 32, is accused of assaulting Brown at Regency Lanes. Officers said a large crowd of people blocked the ambulance from leaving the parking lot. Paramedics then called police for help. Brown later died of his injuries. Bailey was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to a year in prison.

Date: 02/19/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: American Indian
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Fight
Crime Scene: 3 miles north of State Route 46, 1/2 mile west of Scofield Avenue, Wasco
Zip Code: 93280
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Conviction
Incident: The remains of Johnny Chappell were found in an almond grove in Wasco. The coroner has not released the cause of death. According to court documents, a woman said Daniel Garcia Mendez stabbed Chappell in the neck with a box cutter. The district attorney's office said Chappell's body was burned. Documents state Mendez burned Chappell's body and left the remains in the orchard. Mendez took a plea deal. A first-degree murder charge was dropped. Mendez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Date: 02/15/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: South Tulare and East 7th Street
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Priscilla DeLuna was shot to death on her 33rd birthday. Family members said she was on her way to share some birthday cake with a friend when she was shot multiple times and died just a few feet from her home. There have been no arrests. In 2009, her brother, Martin DeLuna, was also shot and killed in southeast Bakersfield.

Date: 02/15/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 8400 block of Bertal Street, Lamont
Zip Code: 93241
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Dallas Francis, 38, was fatally shot in the 8400 block of Bertal Street in Lamont. He was found lying in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. KCSO said investigators were looking for two men who possibly left the area in an SUV. There have been no arrests.

Date: 02/12/2016
Cause of death: Asphyxia
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Prison death
Crime Scene: California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi
Zip Code: 93561
Place of Death: Tehachapi Hospital
Agency: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Miguel Alejo, 46, died at Tehachapi Hospital about an hour after CCI staff found him unresponsive that afternoon. The coroner's office said he died from neck compression. Alejo's cellmate Thomas Santiago has been named as a suspect in his death. He was charged more than a year later.

Date: 02/09/2016
Cause of death: Blunt force trauma
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Child abuse
Crime Scene: 222 Harding Ave.
Zip Code: 93308
Place of Death: Bakersfield Memorial
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Isis Sanchez died on Super Bowl Sunday while in her father's care. The coroner determined the 2 year old died of blunt force trauma. Less than two months before she was killed, Isis and her siblings were placed back in the care of their parents, Izaac Sanchez and Anastasia Jordan, after they were taken away by child protective services. Court documents revealed disturbing details about her death. Izaac Sanchez told deputies he put Isis in a few inches of water in the bathtub during halftime of the super bowl. According to documents, he said he left and returned a minute later and found Isis partially submerged. Sanchez then told investigators Isis collapsed in the living room and hit her head and lost consciousness. Deputies said despite inconsistencies in his story, Izaac Sanchez always maintained Isis drowned and he never hurt her. Doctors at Memorial Hospital told deputies there was no sign the girl had drowned and said she had been beaten. Doctors reported Isis suffered a torn liver, rectal tears and head trauma. Doctors declared Isis brain dead. She died at the hospital several days later. Izaac Sanchez is charged with murder. The mother of the child was at church at the time of the incident, and was not charged.

Date: 02/03/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1300 block of McNew Court
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Willie Benjamin Gomez, 25, was shot to death in the 1300 block of McNew Court. No suspects have been identified.

Date: 02/03/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: Unknown
Category: Officer-involved shooting
Crime Scene: 8000 block of Farmers Lane, Bakersfield
Zip Code: 93307
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Officer(s) cleared
Incident: According to a report from the sheriff's department, Joshua Shane Bispo of Tehachapi was spotted driving erratically. Two CHP officers tried to pull him over, but Bispo took off, leading them on a chase that ended on Farmer's Lane near Weedpatch Highway. Investigators said Bispo pointed a firearm at the CHP officers and tried to shoot, when the officers both fired back. Bispo was taken to Kern Medical where he died of his wounds three days later. The officers, Rosa Archer, an 8 year veteran of the CHP and 7 year CHP veteran Rodney Black, were deemed justified by the sheriff's department, which investigated the shooting. The report also stated Bispo had a blood alcohol content of .23, nearly three times the legal limit, along with methamphetamine in his system. This was the first officer-involved shooting in Kern County in 2016.

Date: 01/31/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 11000 San Diego St., Lamont
Zip Code: 93241
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Arturo Macias Ruiz, 19, was found shot several times on the sidewalk next to a church near San Diego Street and Kearney Avenue in Lamont. There have been no arrests.

Date: 01/24/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: White
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Prison death
Crime Scene: Kern Valley State Prison
Zip Code: 93215
Place of Death: Delano Regional Medical Center
Agency: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Brandon Lowrey was found unresponsive in his cell January 24 and later died. The coroner said Lowrey died of a stab wound. Prison officials said Lowrey's cellmate, Thrasher Holmeyer, 33, is a suspect in the killing. Holmeyer was charged two years later. He is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

Date: 01/22/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 2500 block of South Chester Avenue
Zip Code: 93304
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Leon Davonta Jones was found shot to death outside Tommy's Liquor Store in south Bakersfield. He was a new father and a victim of suspected gang violence. Police said he was shot multiple times. Family members told 17 News Jones was a new father. No arrests have been made.

Date: 01/22/2016
Cause of death: Stab wounds
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Stabbing
Crime Scene: 1000 block of Monterey Street
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Police found a transgender woman who went by the name Jasmine Sierra dead in her apartment January 22. Her legal name was Robert Sierra. Investigators said the door to the apartment was open and her body had obvious signs of trauma. Friends said they had no idea she was killed until weeks later because her birth name was published in the media. A police spokesman said in the state of California, the coroner identifies the body and gender as well. The spokesman said even if a person was born male but identified female, the department might not release that information, especially if it is an ongoing investigation.

Date: 01/18/2016
Cause of death: Miscarriage ruled homicide
Victim's Race: Undisclosed
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Miscarriage
Crime Scene: Undisclosed
Zip Code: Undisclosed
Place of Death: Undisclosed
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Undisclosed
Incident: The sheriff's office didn't provide any information on this homicide.

Date: 01/17/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Black
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 3000 block of Whitley Drive
Zip Code: 93309
Place of Death: At the scene
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Edward Flemmings, 21, was shot in the 3000 block of Whitley Drive in Bakersfield. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police released photos from video surveillance that showed two people who they thought might have information on the shooting. There have been no arrests.

Date: 01/14/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 1000 block of Knotts Street
Zip Code: 93305
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Cipriano Maldonado Jr., 35, was shot in the 1000 block of Knotts Street in Bakersfield. He was taken to Kern Medical where he was pronounced dead. There have been no arrests.

Date: 01/03/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: Hispanic
Category: Suspected gang shooting
Crime Scene: 1000 block of 16th Street, Wasco
Zip Code: 93280
Place of Death: Kern Medical
Agency: Kern County Sheriff's Office
Judicial Status: Charges filed
Incident: Ismael Delgado-Ramirez was wounded in a New Year's Eve shooting in Wasco. He died a few days later. Court documents reveal the suspects are members of a gang and were retaliating against his girlfriend's son for leaving and testifying against the gang. Omar Araujo, Cristian Gomez, Vicente Ibarra, Freddie Santa Cruz and Katie Garcia were charged with murder.

Date: 01/01/2016
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Victim's Race: Hispanic
Accused's Race: N/A
Category: Shooting
Crime Scene: 2700 block of University Avenue
Zip Code: 93306
Place of Death: Kern Medical- ER
Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
Judicial Status: No charges filed
Incident: Ernesto Ramirez, Jr. 29, was found shot in the 2700 block of University Avenue in Bakersfield. He died at Kern Medical Center. Police believe Ramirez was shot while driving then crashed into other cars. There have been no arrests.