BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) -- A Bakersfield man, Rodrigo Lara, was convicted on Thursday, August 28, for the murder of 33-year-old Javier Sanchez, according to the Kern County District Attorney's Office. Lara was found guilty of first-degree murder, being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit murder, and gang conspiracy. The jury determined that the murder and conspiracy were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2024, when Lara traveled on foot to a gathering on the 400 block of Lloyd Street in east Bakersfield. He concealed himself in a dark portion of the driveway where the victim, Sanchez, was also present, said prosecutors. The DA said around 3:00 a.m., as Sanchez walked to his vehicle parked in the driveway, gunfire erupted from the darkened area, striking him. Sanchez succumbed to his injuries, and Lara fled the scene.
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The Bakersfield Police Department discovered Lara's belongings along his escape route, including an empty 9mm magazine, two live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a shirt covered with Sanchez's blood, all found in storm sewers. Video surveillance also captured Lara breaking his cell phone over his knee.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer stated, "This was a calculated and heinous crime that showed complete disregard for a human life. The District Attorney's Office will not tolerate this violence in our community and will pursue severe consequences for those who pose a danger to public safety," said Zimmer.
Lara's sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, where he faces up to 55 years to life in prison.
The District Attorney's Office noted that the jury was unable to reach a verdict on some charges and enhancements. "While the verdict is a clear finding that Lara was, at a minimum, a part of a gang-related conspiracy to commit the murder, the verdict also reflected an inability of the jury to come to a unanimous verdict that Lara was the person who actually fired the fatal shot that resulted in the victim's death," stated the DA's Office.