Jose Jesus Mendoza, 22, and Jessica Soria, 23, were found shot to death in the front yard of a home on Sterling Road in East Bakersfield on April 8, 2018. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots around 2 a.m.; the Kern County Sheriff’s Office responded and both victims later died of their injuries. Mendoza was shot once in the chin and Soria was shot in the head.

They had been out with friends earlier that night; Mendoza watched a boxing match downtown before meeting Soria and returning to his home. Investigators believe someone was already waiting at the house, took time to open the gate, slide the door and park in the driveway before ambushing the two.

No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains open. Mendoza’s parents, Ubaldo and Maricela Mendoza, described their son as compassionate and respectful and say the family feels fearful and unsettled. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.