Landis William Ornellas Wilkins III, a 39-year-old Hispanic man from Whittier, California, was found dead on March 15, 2025, in the 9400 block of Alfred Harrell Highway in Bakersfield. The Kern County Coroner identified him and determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound; the death was classified as a homicide. Bakersfield police responded about 6:55 p.m. when the remains were initially unidentified and the scene was described as suspicious. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been announced; police have not released information on suspects or persons of interest.

Family and online tributes remember him as a beloved husband and father and describe him as a dreamer. If anyone has information about Landis Wilkins III or the circumstances of his death, please come forward.