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Family of man shot and killed in central Bakersfield says he may have been a random target

Posted at 6:48 PM, May 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-17 21:48:28-04

Thirty-five year old Michael Washington was gunned down in the parking lot of the apartments where he lived on 38th Street and Jewetta Avenue Tuesday night.

 

His mother in law, who asked to remain anonymous, tells 23ABC that Washington had moved to Bakersfield from San Diego just six months ago. 

 

"He was down here trying to change his life and get him a better life down here," she said.

 

The shooting was reported around 9:15 p.m. in the area of 38th Street off M Street. BPD found Washington shot multiple times. He was taken to Kern Medical where he later died.

 

His mother-in-law says she believes he was randomly targeted.

 

His family hopes someone will come forward. 

 

Police say the suspects are four men who were wearing dark clothes. 

 

BPD says a person was taken into custody on 35th and O streets, a few blocks from the shooting. That person was taken into custody for possessing a gun. BPD says it has not yet been determined whether that person has any connection to the shooting.