Two men were killed in a shooting in Lamont on the evening of February 17, 2024. Deputies responded around 7:32 p.m. to the 10300 block of Tatum Street and found 32-year-old Ernesto Garcia Jr. and 49-year-old Maximiliano Pineda with gunshot wounds. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene; Pineda was taken to Kern Medical and later died. The Kern County Coroner listed cause of death for both as multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death homicide.

Both victims were identified as residents of Lamont. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and has not announced arrests or identified suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.

Did anyone in the community see activity near Tatum Street that evening or have information about these shootings?