BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Kern County inmate faces an additional 52 years to life while already serving 50 years for a murder after he was convicted of two separate attacks on inmates.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on May 1, 2026, a Kern County jury found Victor Nunez guilty of six felony counts involving two separate in-custody assaults at the Kern County Jail.
The charges included assault by a life prisoner, causing injury, mayhem, and felony assault. The jury also found true that Nunez personally inflicted great bodily injury in both incidents.
Nunez is currently serving a sentence of 50 years to life in prison for a 2019 murder that occurred in Kern County.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on May 1, 2026, a Kern County jury found Victor Nunez guilty of six felony counts involving two separate in-custody assaults at the Kern County Jail. PHOTO: Kern County DA
The DA’s office said on November 4, 2024, Nunez became angry at his cellmate and attacked him, throwing the victim to the ground and punching him repeatedly while standing over him. Detentions deputies commanded him to stop, but Nunez continued the violent assault until deputies deployed pepper spray. The victim was left blinded in his left eye as a result of the attack, according to the DA’s office.
The DA’s office said on December 30, 2024, Nunez became angry with a fellow inmate and attacked him in the day area. Despite a detentions deputy standing between the victim and Nunez, Nunez pushed the female deputy out of the way and began punching the victim. Shortly after, other inmates joined in and began assaulting the victim. Once the victim took cover in a corner waiting for help, Nunez grabbed a wooden broomstick and began swinging it, repeatedly striking the victim in the head. The victim suffered severe injuries as a result of the attack.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented by saying, “Prosecuting crimes committed both in the community and within detention facilities is equally important as holding inmates accountable for all offenses ensures they serve appropriate sentences that prioritize public safety.”
Nunez’s sentencing is set for June 2, 2026, where he is facing an additional 52 years to life in prison.