A 15-year-old was arrested after a gang-related shooting outside a Bakersfield high school stadium late Friday that left a 17-year-old dead, the Bakersfield Police Department said.
The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. at Independence High School during its season opener against Centennial High School, police told Fox News Digital. Officers found the 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds; he was taken to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead, the department said.
Bakersfield police said the shooting happened within the exterior fence of the football stadium but outside the chain-link barrier surrounding the field and track. Neither the suspect nor the victim attended Independence High School, and investigators said the shooting “was not a random act of violence” because the suspect and victim knew one another and a fight involving several people occurred beforehand.
The department announced the arrest Saturday on suspicion of murder, firearm-related offenses and participating in a criminal street gang, and said the gun used in the shooting has not been recovered. Authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects outstanding. The game was canceled after the gunfire sent players and spectators from the area, police said. Officers from the Kern High School District, Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff’s Office responded.
In a statement, the Bakersfield Police Department said, “Our deepest sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the 17-year-old who tragically lost his life. We also recognize the impact this incident will have on the family of the 15-year-old who was arrested.” Kern High School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Zulfa said staff and district police responded immediately, the district is working with law enforcement and counseling will be available to students and staff. “Friday night should have been an evening of school spirit, friendship, and community,” Zulfa said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Fox News Digital said it reached out to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for additional information but did not immediately receive a response.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
