BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County jury was shown disturbing video Tuesday that depicted the moments a woman was kidnapped from a gym before being robbed and sexually assaulted.
During day two of the trial, the Bakersfield woman, referred to as Jane Doe, continued her account of being kidnapped, robbed, and raped after leaving the In-Shape Family Fitness on Coffee Road in December 2023.
The focus was on surveillance footage, step by step of what happened to her and identifying the man accused in the ordeal.
In-Shape abduction, rape trial continues into 2nd day
The video showed Jane Doe being abducted from the gym’s parking lot, some of what happened to her while she was held captive and her escape hours later.
17 News was not allowed to film inside the courtroom.
Vincent Javier DeLeon, 42-years-old at the time, is accused of being the person responsible.
In court, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer emphasized Jane Doe being able to identify him as the culprit.
Photos taken by police the day he was arrested were displayed in court and show DeLeon with tattoos on his bald head, chest, arms, and even eyelids – a stark difference from the defendant who sat in the courtroom with his hair fully grown out and a suit covering up the ink.
Vincent Javier DeLeon stands trial on March 23, 2026, for allegations including kidnapping, robbery, and rape.
Even still, Jane Doe said there’s no mistaking that the man in court is the same person who tormented her for hours on that dreadful day. The trial also included a tear-jerking video of the victim being dropped off at Vallarta Supermarket on Panama Lane after the alleged assault.
There, Jane Doe is seen pleading with store employees for help, a phone to call her family and the moment her brother showed up, embracing her as she sobbed in his arms.
In-Shape abduction, rape trial begins
While on the stand, Jane Doe fought back tears, wiping them with a tissue, as the video played. At the same time, DeLeon seemingly joked and laughed at something he said to his lawyer.
The woman has yet to be cross-examined, but during opening statements, the defense talked about kindness and encouraged the jury to keep an open mind.
“Treat everyone with politeness, even though they are rude to you. Remember you’re courteous to others – not because they’re a gentleman or ladies but because you’re a gentleman or a lady,” said defense attorney Elliott B. Magnus. “What I’m asking you to do is keep an open mind for the whole process of this trial.”
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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