News

Actions

Kern County coroner discovers man dies of gunshot wound, not car crash

Posted
and last updated

A man died after crashing into a building in Delano on August 24, officials told 23ABC News.

The victim was identified as Orlando Morales, 34, of McFarland. Morales was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and it was initially believed the traffic collision was the cause of his death.

During the investigation, the Kern County coroner discovered that Morales had been wounded by a bullet before the collision, which caused him to lose control of his vehicle and collide into a building on 11th Avenue and Glenwood Street.

A forensic pathologist concluded the cause of death was by a gunshot wound.

Two individuals were identified as having shot Morales in the area, Pete Santiago, 21, and Jose Medrano, 22. Both are from Delano.

The two men were arrested and charged with homicide with accompanied gang enhancements.

RELATED: Suspected car thief dies after crashing into big rig

 

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Thursday

05/08/2025

Clear

-° / 63°

0%

Friday

05/09/2025

Clear

99° / 66°

0%

Saturday

05/10/2025

Partly Cloudy

102° / 67°

0%

Sunday

05/11/2025

Mostly Clear

93° / 57°

0%

Monday

05/12/2025

Mostly Cloudy

79° / 53°

24%

Tuesday

05/13/2025

Clear

72° / 53°

5%

Wednesday

05/14/2025

Mostly Clear

80° / 57°

0%

Thursday

05/15/2025

Mostly Clear

86° / 61°

0%