BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — One of the suspects arrested in connection with a deadly double shooting on Flower Street had been out of prison for less than a week at the time of the incident, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Darwin Young Jr., 20, was released from prison on May 21 after serving a sentence for carrying a loaded firearm in public while affiliated with a street gang. Just six days later, on May 27, two men were fatally shot in the 1600 block of Flower Street around 9:41 p.m., authorities said.
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The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Damien Joseph Bullard, 26, and Anthony Victor Ochoa, 37.
Gang-Related Charges Filed
Young, along with Ramahs Darnell Turner, 17, and Nancy Ruiz, 20, have been charged in connection with the deadly incident. A criminal complaint filed June 3 alleges the murders and robbery were carried out to benefit the Eastside Crips, a known street gang.
Young and Turner are facing two counts of murder and one count of robbery. Ruiz is charged with robbery.
Young and Ruiz have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court next week. Turner, who has appeared in juvenile court, is expected to have his next hearing in mid-July, with prosecutors seeking to try him as an adult due to the severity of the charges.
Background and Community Concerns
CDCR records show Young was incarcerated in 2024 following a conviction related to gang activity involving illegal possession of a firearm. His release on parole supervision came shortly before the fatal incident, raising concerns about early release policies and community safety.
The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) has not released further details about the motive or how the suspects were apprehended but confirmed the ongoing investigation is being handled as a gang-related case.
Call for Community Assistance
In a separate notice, BPD also asked for help from the public in locating an at-risk missing woman, last seen on Monday. The department did not confirm whether the two incidents are connected.
