Ricardo Lopez Jr., 22, of Shafter, California, was found dead on December 3, 2020, in an orchard near Corn Camp Road and Highway 58 in Buttonwillow. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office received a report about 7:59 a.m.; deputies discovered Lopez’s body with traumatic injuries. Investigators determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the death was ruled a homicide.

Lopez had been reported missing before his body was found. Homicide detectives opened an investigation and the sheriff’s office asked the public for help identifying the shooter.

If anyone has information about Lopez, his movements before December 3, 2020, or the area around Corn Camp Road and Highway 58, please contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.