NewsLocal News

Actions

Court docs: David Williams III provided drugs that led to Joseph Lara's death

Williams, David.JPG
Posted
and last updated

David Williams III, one of the people connected to the death of the person whose body was found buried in Southwest Bakersfield, provided drugs to the man that led to his death, according to court documents.

Documents obtained by 23ABC state that Williams was considered a "mid-level drug dealer," who sold cocaine, marijuana and prescription-based medication.

Investigators believe Williams sold drugs to Joseph Lara, whose body was found buried in the backyard of a home on Hathaway Avenue in January.

According to documents, Williams and two other people worked together to "transport, desecrate and bury the body."

A search of Williams' home led to the discovery of cocaine, Xanax and marijuana.

Documents state when Lara was overdosing, with Williams and the two others present, no one called 9-1-1.

An anonymous tip on Feb. 6 led to the location of Williams at a motel where he was found trying to flush "a large quantity of Xanax pills and suspected cocaine" down the toilet.

Dennis Marroquin and Kailee Morrison have also been arrested in connection with Lara's death.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Tuesday

10/14/2025

Mostly Clear

-° / 51°

2%

Wednesday

10/15/2025

Clear

65° / 52°

4%

Thursday

10/16/2025

Clear

69° / 52°

5%

Friday

10/17/2025

Clear

77° / 54°

3%

Saturday

10/18/2025

Mostly Clear

81° / 57°

2%

Sunday

10/19/2025

Clear

82° / 57°

4%

Monday

10/20/2025

Clear

78° / 56°

2%

Tuesday

10/21/2025

Clear

77° / 55°

2%