BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The man accused of shooting and killing local gay rights activist Daniel Landeros, 43, during a confrontation at Yokuts Park in 2023, has been sentenced to at least 11 years in prison with an enhancement, according to the Kern County court website.
FredI Rivera was sentenced on Tuesday, March 17, on a voluntary manslaughter charge, according to court records. A murder charge was dismissed in Jan. 2026.
Freddi Rivera. FILE (KBAK/KBFX)
PREVIOUS REPORTING: Late night shooting at Yokuts Park leaves one man dead
The shooting happened Sept. 18, 2023, around 11 p.m., when Bakersfield police officers responded to a report of a shooting at Yokuts Park. Officers found Landeros dead, with his friend beside him.
Court documents say Landeros had been celebrating his birthday at the park when Rivera approached and shouted homophobic slurs. The friend, whose name was kept anonymous in the documents, told detectives that he and Landeros were openly homosexual and did not recognize Rivera. The documents say Landeros took offense to the slurs and began exchanging words with Rivera.
Bakersfield police are investigating after a man was found shot dead late Monday night at Yokuts Park.{ } PHOTO: KEYNEWS.TV
Police arrested Fredi Rivera, of Delano, on Oct. 4, 2023, 16 days after the shooting, as the suspect in Landeros’ killing.
Bakersfield police are investigating after a man was found shot dead late Monday night at Yokuts Park. PHOTO: KEYNEWS.TV
Court documents obtained by Eyewitness News describe what some would say was a hate crime. The documents revealed that Rivera drove away in a “boxy car” that was later discovered to be a Hummer moments after the shooting. About nine hours later, the documents said Rivera drove the Hummer to an orchard near Wheeler Ridge and burned the vehicle.
In July 2025, Lisa Cruz, Landeros’ sister, expressed her belief to Eyewitness News that the death was intentional and premeditated.
Rivera was charged with state prison enhancements for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and circumstances aggravated with great bodily violence on Jan. 14, 2026, according to court records. It was not clear how long the enhancement sentence is at this time. No hate crime charges were listed against Rivera.
We have reached out to court officials for sentencing information. We have not heard back as of Wednesday at 3 p.m.
This story is developing and will be updated once more information is provided.