15-year-old arrested in deadly shooting at Independence High football game
Bakersfield police say the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Friday night was not random and that the suspect and victim were known to one another.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on murder and gang-participation charges in the shooting death of a 17-year-old during a high school football game in Bakersfield, California, police announced Saturday.
The Bakersfield Police Department said the suspect was taken into custody in the 7500 block of Stockdale Highway, near Coffee Road. The shooting happened shortly after 8 p.m. Friday, August 21, inside the gates of Independence High School's football stadium, south of the field, as the game was underway, according to police.
Officers found the 17-year-old victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to Kern Medical, where he later died.
Investigators initially said the shooting appeared to stem from an isolated altercation involving a group of individuals. Police have since said the victim and suspect were known to one another and that this was not a random act of violence. They also released a photo showing the teenage suspect being taken into custody in handcuffs.
In a statement, police thanked the Kern High School District Police Department and the Kern County Sheriff's Office for their work, adding: “Two young lives and two families have been forever changed by an act of violence.” Police said the shooting remains an active investigation and additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Bakersfield Now reported the arrest, citing the Bakersfield Police Department. The Kern High School District superintendent has also released a statement on the shooting.
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