Demond Xavier Rufus, 22, was killed in a shooting on South Haley Street in Bakersfield in the early morning of August 14, 2021. Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation about 4:15 a.m. and found Rufus with gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

Authorities have classified his death as a homicide, but the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. As of the latest available update, no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made. The Bakersfield Police Department has asked anyone with information to come forward, but investigators say the case remains unsolved.

If anyone was in the South Haley Street area that night or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Bakersfield Police Department.