On the evening of July 14, 2023, 28-year-old Joshua Peña of Bakersfield was fatally shot at the On the Way Gas Station, 2241 Girard Street in Delano. The shooting occurred about 8:24 p.m. after a verbal argument between the victims and several individuals escalated into a physical confrontation. A Delano police officer nearby heard gunfire and found Peña and 28-year-old Jose Juarez with multiple gunshot wounds; both were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Surveillance footage and the police account indicate that 19-year-old Bryan Heredia retrieved a firearm from a Dodge Ram and fired, striking Peña and Juarez. Heredia and accomplices fled in the vehicle and led officers on a high-speed pursuit; the vehicle was disabled near Zachary and Woollomes Avenue. Heredia and 20-year-old Saul Ochoa were arrested at the scene, and 24-year-old Rito Castillo was arrested on July 20, 2023, in Bakersfield. All three, residents of Delano, have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, gang conspiracy, and other felonies. Investigators say the incident appears to be gang-related.

Peña is described as a loving father, son, brother, friend, and husband; GoFundMe campaigns were set up to support the victims families. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Santaella at (661) 721-3369.

Did anyone in the Delano area see the confrontation at the gas station or have information about the vehicle involved?