Cortez Batiste was a 13-year-old student at Curran Middle School who was found shot to death near the railroad tracks in the 1500 block of East Brundage Lane in Bakersfield on March 31, 2014. The Kern County coroner confirmed his identity; the body had multiple gunshot wounds. His school provided psychologists and support staff as classmates and teachers coped with the loss of a boy remembered as fun-loving and friendly.

In the days after the killing the community held a candlelight vigil at the discovery site and organized fundraisers to help with burial costs. Family members, including his aunt Blanche Batiste, spoke of their grief and their determination to seek justice. As of the latest update there have been no arrests or identified suspects, and police have not disclosed a motive. The case remains open with the Bakersfield Police Department seeking information.

If anyone knew Cortez, saw activity near East Brundage Lane on or before March 31, 2014, or has information that could help, please come forward.