Michael Lashawn Whatley Jr., 25, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and died on March 20, 2015, in Bakersfield, California. The death was ruled a homicide and the Bakersfield Police Department led the investigation.

Family and friends remembered Michael as a kind-hearted father, brother, uncle, nephew, son, and friend. The community held vigils and memorials while police conducted interviews, collected evidence, and performed forensic analysis. Investigators identified several suspects and continued gathering evidence; for a time no arrests were announced.

If anyone knew Michael, saw him in Bakersfield around March 2015, or has information that could help clarify what happened, please come forward.