Six People Dead Following Shooting in California

Six People Dead Following Shooting in Bakersfield, California

A gunman in Bakersfield, Calif. killed his wife and four others before turning the gun on himself Thursday night.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Sep 13, 2018

Six people were shot and killed Wednesday night in Bakersfield, Calif. in what the Kern Sheriff's Office is calling a "mass shooting," according to local news sources.

The shooting began when the gunman went to a trucking business with his wife around 5:30 p.m. on the night of Sept. 12 to confront another man. Upon entering the business, the suspect shot the man before turning and shooting his wife.

The suspect then went after a man who fled from the scene, eventually tracking him down and killing him at a business nearby.

After these events, the suspect carjacked a vehicle with a woman and child inside. The two managed to escape without harm. The shooter then drove to a home in a nearby neighborhood where he open fired and killed to more men.

All five people died from their gunshot wounds.

"What we are trying to do is find out why this started and why so many players (are) involved, and the connection," Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood told reporters. "Obviously, these are not random shootings."

The sixth killing occurred when the suspect eventually turned the gun on himself as deputies closed in to confront him in a parking lot.

When asked if the incidents where considered a "mass shooting," the sheriff said, "absolutely."

"I'm certainly speculating right now," Youngblood said. "But at this point, I'm pretty comfortable saying there will be a connection between all these players."

Youngblood mentioned that they have body cam video from the officer who was closing in on the suspect, but hadn't had a chance to look at the footage yet.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.