BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two people were found guilty of robbery and attempted robbery after stealing two cans of Twisted Tea and punching the store manager when confronted back in 2023.

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on December 17, 2025, a Kern County jury found Melissa Singh guilty of felony second-degree robbery and Julian Singh guilty of felony attempted second-degree robbery.

{p}The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on December 17, 2025, a Kern County jury found Melissa Singh guilty of felony second-degree robbery and Julian Singh guilty of felony attempted second-degree robbery. PHOTO: Kern County DA{/p}

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on December 17, 2025, a Kern County jury found Melissa Singh guilty of felony second-degree robbery and Julian Singh guilty of felony attempted second-degree robbery. PHOTO: Kern County DA

The DA’s office said on July 22, 2023, the victim, a store manager of El Milagro Market on Panama Lane, confronted Melissa Singh stealing two cans of ‘Twisted Tea.’ With the stolen merchandise in hand, Melissa Singh punched the store manager in the face, according to the DA’s office.

The physical altercation continued into the parking lot, where Julian Singh violently punched the store manager in the face. The altercation lasted about one minute until both left the scene.

The DA’s office said the store manager received medical aid for her injuries, which included bruising to the face and scratches on her neck and face.

Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented by saying, “When force is used to get away with stolen property, the offense is elevated to felony robbery under the law. Shoplifters who escalate their crime by use of force can expect robbery charges, which are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.”

The DA’s office said following the jury’s verdict, a court trial on the bifurcated prior-conviction allegations is scheduled for December 19, 2025. A sentencing date will follow.

Melissa Singh is facing up to five years in state prison. Julian Singh is facing up to 11 years in state prison.

He faces a substantially enhanced sentence because of a prior “serious” felony conviction. As a result of this prior strike, his potential sentence is doubled, in addition to a five-year sentencing enhancement.