BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A reputed gang member recently found not guilty in a murder trial is hospitalized after he and another man were shot Monday night.

Bakersfield police said John Henry Bryant, 35, was taken to a hospital in a private car after he was shot just before midnight.

The other man with Bryant died at the scene. His name has not been released, but he has been described as a 21-year-old man.

According to police, the victim was sitting inside a vehicle on the 300 block of Hayes Street when the shooting occurred. Bryant was standing outside of the car.

Police said a red SUV drove up, a man got out and opened fire on the pair.

Bryant was hospitalized in stable condition.

BPD is now investigating whether the shooting was motivated by revenge or if it was gang related.

Bryant, a known gang member, was recently acquitted of murder charges in connection to the 2006 shooting death of Meko Seward in the parking lot of the former Rockin' Rodeo on Rosedale Highway.

Bryant was originally convicted of the murder, but was given a retrial due to prosecutorial misconduct.

Bryant's attorney told ABC23 that he believes the shooting was more related to Bryant's lifestyle than revenge; however, authorities will not say which way they are leaning.

"That's not something we'll know until we can ID who the suspects are and why the shooting took place. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this point," said Sgt. Greg Terry.

The suspects are described as a male and a female. They were driving a red or maroon SUV Monday night between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.

Anyone with information is asked to call the BPD at 661-327-7111.