BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The murder trial for Jaden Ambriz, accused of his role in shooting and killing 18-year-old Evan Zion Alema over a gang dispute in northeast Bakersfield, has been rescheduled for next Monday.
Bakersfield police said officers were called at about 12:55 a.m. Oct. 5, 2025, to the 3425 Meadow Vista Court for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found Alema suffering from gunshot wounds. Alema later died at the scene.
Police said investigators found physical evidence and obtained witness statements. During a canvass, officers also located video surveillance footage showing a possible suspect vehicle.
A homicide investigation is underway after a shooting in northeast Bakersfield left an 18-year-old dead. PHOTO: KeyNews.TV
Court records revealed that Ambriz, 20 at the time, and Justin Hernandez-Florez, 24 at the time, waited outside of a house party for Alema, a documented active member of the Colonia Baker Street gang.
Police said they followed Alema to his home, and Hernandez-Flores got out of the passenger seat, pulled out a gun, and tried to rob Alema. Alema’s mother watched as the events unfolded.
Hernandez-Flores then shot Alema in the neck and left, the documents state. Alema died at the scene. Police said Hernandez-Flores was a known active East Side Baker Street gang member and was prohibited from possessing weapons.
Jaden Ambriz appears in court on April 23, 2026. KBAK/KBFX
Police noted the ongoing rivalry between the two gangs. The killing was done to benefit the East Side Baker Street Gang, the documents stated.
Police arrested Justin Hernandez-Florez and Ambriz on the same day as the killing. Hernandez-Flores does not appear to be charged on the Kern County court website as of April 23, 2026.
Hernandez-Flores said in a police interview that while he was getting out of the vehicle, he was grabbed on his arm by Aleman, and the gun accidentally discharged. He said he did not intentionally kill Alema, and it was not over the gang rivalry.
However, evidence from Flores’s cellphone revealed a photo of Hernandez-Flores driving by the crime scene, throwing up a “CK” with his fingers, which police said means “Colonia Killer.”
Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, D-Delano, released a statement shortly after the deadly shooting in northeast Bakersfield due to the incident happening near her home.
A homicide investigation is underway after a shooting in northeast Bakersfield left an 18-year-old dead. PHOTO: KeyNews.TV
Ambriz is due to appear on April 27, 2026, for a preliminary hearing. He pleaded not guilty to murder in Oct. 2025.