Cesar Joseph Malta was 19 when he was shot and killed in East Bakersfield on the night of August 12, 2021. Officers responded to reports of a shooting on Oregon Street near Kern Street around 9:56 p.m.; Malta was found with a gunshot wound and died after being taken to a local hospital. His death was recorded as the 88th homicide in Kern County that year.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on August 20, 2021, in the 500 block of Lake Street; his name was not publicly disclosed because of his age. Prosecutors later moved to transfer the case to adult court, a decision that was appealed, pausing further proceedings while the appeal was considered.

If anyone knew Cesar, witnessed the shooting, or has information about the events that night, please share what is known with investigators.