BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — 2020 was a record-breaking year for homicides in Kern County, and it looks like 2021 is following in suit with 11 homicides reported January.
The first homicide of the year took place on January 1 in the 5400 block of Rosewood Avenue. According to the Kern County Sheriff's, 41-year-old Oscar Ortiz Cervantez died from a gunshot wound.
On Jan. 2, 34-year-old Ruben Jose Vega was killed from a gunshot wound in the 2000 block of Oregon Street, according to KCSO. No weapons were recovered from the scene and no suspect information is available.
Two people lost their lives Jan 3. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, 45-year-old Luise Ramirez and 39-year-old Rudie Rene Castillas were shot and killed at the Vagabond Inn on Colony Street. During the investigation, detectives identified a suspect and arrested Mario Velasquez, 25, of Bakersfield, for two counts of murder.
A week later, two more people were shot and killed on Jan. 10. 24-year-old Ramon Rodriguez Muro and 22-year-old Sierra Elizabeth Castilleja-Riemer died from gunshot wounds in the 1700 block of Custer Avenue.
Kern County's seventh homicide occurred on Jan. 13. Mubarek Saleh Alnajar, 30, was shot and killed in the 1700 block of Panama Lane. BPD said Lucifer Darnell Pierce was arrested in connection to this deadly shooting.
That same week ended with a weekend of deadly shootings.
On Jan. 15, Vladimir De Jesus Sanchez, 27, was shot and killed in the 3500 block of Meeks Avenue.
28-year-old Scottie Tripp was shot and killed the following day on Jan. 16 in the 800 block of Taylor Street.
The first homicide to occur outside of Bakersfield took place on Jan. 17. Arvin Police responded to the deadly shooting of Michael Gonzalez, 34, in the 100 block of B Street.
The final homicide of the month happened on Jan 29. A 21-year-old man was shot and killed in the 2500 block of Haley Street. BPD Detectives identified and arrested Adrian Sanchez, 31, of Bakersfield for the shooting. He is due in court on Tuesday.
You can track all homicides right here with 23ABC's Homicide Tracker.
Anyone with information on cases investigated by BPD can call (661) 327-7111. For KCSO, you can call (661) 861-3110. For Arvin PD, call (661) 854-5583.
