Death of man found inside marijuana dispensary ruled a homicide

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The death of a man who was found inside a marijuana dispensary in East Bakersfield last year was ruled a homicide.

According to the Kern County coroner's office, Marques Troyvell Stokes's death was caused by "blunt injuries." Other factors also contributed to his death, including Atherosclerotic Heart Disease and Acute Methamphetamine and Cocaine Toxicity.

On December 15th, 2019, Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies were flagged down at 10:45 a.m. for a report of a man down at Superior Meds marijuana dispensary, located on the 2000 block of Niles Street.

"The subject was suffering from some obvious traumatic injuries and he was examined by medical staff and determined to be deceased," said Sergeant David Hubbard of KCSO at the time.

Hubbard said there appeared to be a crime, but he was unsure what kind.

Homicide detectives are investigating the incident. There is no suspect information available at this time.

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