Jose Luis Hernandez Laureano, 30, of Bakersfield, California, was found dying on Latham Street in east Bakersfield on November 17, 2021, after suffering a gunshot wound. The bullet entered his back near the left shoulder, passed through his lungs, and exited his chest. He was pronounced dead at Kern Medical.

According to court documents, as he lay dying Hernandez Laureano pointed at his estranged girlfriend, Cony Alvarado-Romero, and indicated she had shot him. Alvarado-Romero initially denied involvement but later admitted to firing the shot, saying it was in self-defense after an alleged assault during an argument. She had no visible injuries when first released from custody; prosecutors later charged her with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and child cruelty in October 2022 and she was rearrested. During the trial she pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 21 years in prison in November 2024.

The family described the killing as premeditated and called it cruel and senseless, saying there was no justification. Security camera footage and witness statements were cited in the case. Does anyone have additional information about Hernandez Laureano’s last hours or knew him personally?