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1300+Bakersfield police have confirmed that the deadly shooting at Independence High School during a football game was gang-related. Investigators say the incident is connected to an ongoing gang conflict in the community.
Deadly Shooting During Football Game
The shooting took place on Friday, August 21, during a football game at Independence High School. The gunfire left 17-year-old Levi Jermaine Carter Brown dead. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and has since been charged with murder and participation in a criminal street gang in connection with the shooting.
Six Arrests Made in Possible Retaliation Plot
Following the shooting, officers with the Bakersfield Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit began working to prevent retaliatory violence in the community. Those efforts led to two separate arrests over the following days.
On Saturday night, officers arrested 18-year-old Jaheim Leverett along with two 15-year-old teens. All three were found in possession of a firearm, face coverings, and gloves.
Early Monday morning, officers stopped a vehicle carrying 18-year-old Adam Porras, 18-year-old Sean Reyes, and a 17-year-old juvenile. That stop led to the recovery of two firearms, along with masks and gloves.
Police say everyone involved in these incidents is a known gang member. Investigators believe the group may have been preparing to carry out retaliatory acts of violence tied to the broader gang conflict connected to the football game shooting.
Community Urged to Get Involved
Police are asking parents and families to talk with young people in their lives about the risks of gang involvement and violence. Officials encourage families to watch for changes in behavior, unfamiliar social circles, concerning social media activity, or unexplained access to weapons or protective gear like masks and gloves.
Families concerned about a young person’s potential involvement in gangs or violence can contact the City of Bakersfield Office of Violence Intervention & Prevention at (661) 852-7000. Anyone with information about potential violence can call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111, or the Gang Hotline at (661) 325-GANG (4264). In an emergency, call 911.
When Violence Leads to Injury, Victims Have Legal Options
Incidents involving gang-related violence can leave victims and families facing serious physical, emotional, and financial hardship.
Our Bakersfield personal injury law firm, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, understands the pain that comes with sudden, senseless violence and stands ready to help victims and their families explore their legal options for holding responsible parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an act of violence in Kern County, contact us for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.