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1300+Four people died in four separate incidents across Bakersfield in less than 22 hours over Halloween weekend. Two were crashes, and two were shootings. Authorities are still investigating all four.
The Bakersfield Incidents That Occurred During Halloween Weekend
White Lane Pedestrian Crash
Just before 2:45 a.m. Saturday, a Bakersfield Police Department officer was driving on White Lane while responding to a call. A woman walked into the roadway and was hit by the patrol vehicle.
Police said she was not in a crosswalk. She was pronounced dead less than 10 minutes later.
South Half Moon Drive Shooting
Shortly after 3:30 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire near a large party on South Half Moon Drive. They found a 16-year-old boy with major injuries.
He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Police are still looking for the suspects.
Harris Road and Marin Street Crash
Just after 6:30 p.m. on Halloween night, a driver struck four pedestrians at Harris Road and Marin Street. Two of them were children.
Police said the group was crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. A 12-year-old girl died from her injuries. The other three victims are recovering, and their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Rosedale Highway Shooting
Just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Kern County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery on Rosedale Highway. Hundreds of people were fleeing a large gathering after three women were shot.
One woman died at the scene. The other two were hospitalized and are expected to survive.
How to Help Investigators
Anyone with information about the first three incidents can call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. For the Rosedale Highway shooting, call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness Line at (661) 322-4040.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and the first days bring more questions than answers. California law allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 lists which family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. Claims involving a government vehicle or agency can follow much shorter notice deadlines, so families should speak with a lawyer early.
Families dealing with a fatal pedestrian crash can learn more about the process on our Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer page. Our Bakersfield car accident lawyer page covers what to do after a collision caused by another driver. For a broader look at these claims, see our guide to California wrongful death claims.
Talk to a Bakersfield Injury Lawyer
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Bakersfield or Kern County, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can explain your legal options. Contact our Bakersfield office at (661) 490-9440 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.