On August 6, 2014, 29-year-old Zephaniah Lee Matthews was one of three men killed when multiple masked men forced their way into an apartment on Quincy Street in East Bakersfield and opened fire. The other victims were 23-year-old Junior Alfonzo Contreras and 22-year-old Daniel Turrel Watkins. Neighbors heard several loud pops and at first thought they were fireworks; the scene inside the apartment was chaotic and bystanders tried to administer CPR.

Witnesses described the assailants as black male adults wearing masks and dark clothing who fled on foot. Children were present in the apartment but were not physically harmed. Kern County Sheriff’s investigators say the motive is unclear, there are no significant leads, and the case remains unsolved. Matthews’ mother, Sophie Lee, has urged anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew Zephaniah, the other victims, or saw activity near Quincy Street that night, can you help with information?