Michael Mascorro was a 21-year-old resident of Bakersfield, California, who died on July 12, 2015. His body was found in circumstances that prompted suspicion of foul play. An autopsy by the Kern County Coroner’s Office determined he suffered multiple traumatic injuries consistent with a violent assault, and his death was classified as a homicide.

The Bakersfield Police Department opened a full investigation that developed witness testimony and forensic leads; investigators said a possible motive involved personal disputes. Authorities identified several suspects and arrested a local individual with a prior history of violent behavior and prior run-ins with the law. Prosecutors pursued charges and the case went to trial, where the jury convicted the primary defendant of second-degree murder and returned a lengthy prison sentence.

Mascorro’s family has since been active in efforts to honor his memory and support violence-prevention initiatives. If anyone knew Michael, witnessed events from July 2015, or has information that could still be relevant, please come forward.