BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Abel Juarez was sentenced on Tuesday to at least 62 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of Eduardo Salinas, 51, in Wasco, according to the Kern County Superior Court website.
Juarez was convicted in November 2025 of first-degree murder with the use of a firearm, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
A Kern County jury delivered the verdict on Nov. 12, 2025, following a retrial due to a hung jury in 2021.
(KBAK/KBFX) Kern County Sheriff’s deputies investigate a homicide outside a home in Wasco.
The incident happened on April 24, 2018, when Juarez confronted Salinas at his home on the 1900 block of 4th Street over a dispute involving a stolen bike. Juarez demanded that Salinas come out of his garage, and minutes after he did, Juarez shot him in the chest. Salinas was found dead in his driveway.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: KCSO arrests suspect in Wasco homicide
Juarez fled the scene and was arrested the following day after a standoff with law enforcement. Two witnesses identified Juarez as the shooter.
Kern County Sheriff’s deputies surround a home Wednesday, April 25, 2018, attempting to locate and arrest a homicide suspect in Wasco, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX photoComment with Bubbles
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Kern County DA Cynthia Zimmer stated at the time of Juarez’s conviction, “This deliberate act demonstrated a profound disregard for the life of another. It’s been several years fighting for the justice of Eduardo Salinas and today, we’re pleased to announce that it’s been achieved.”