On the evening of May 25, 2026, two men were found dead from gunshot wounds at a secluded encampment on Eucalyptus Drive in East Bakersfield. One victim has been identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as 61-year-old Marcelino Rodriguez; the other was a 67-year-old man known as Chilo. Both bodies were discovered inside a silver Honda on a property locals called the ranch after deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 10:15 p.m.

Several people at the encampment were detained for questioning as homicide detectives began their investigation, but no arrests have been announced and the sheriff’s office has not released a motive or identified suspects. Neighbors described the site as a homeless encampment with problems related to illegal activity, while people who knew the victims said they were well-known in the community and not troublemakers.

Anyone with information about Marcelino Rodriguez, Chilo, the encampment on Eucalyptus Drive, or activity in the area that night is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.