BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A look back at 2025’s most noteworthy stories here in Kern County.
This year, Kern County became the epicenter of controversial ICE raids, sparking fear and protests nationwide. Eyewitness News confirmed federal agents conducted Operation “Return to Sender” in Bakersfield, targeting undocumented immigrants. A local resident said, “15 people were arrested. They were my friends and they took three of my family members or three of my cousins.”
There are reports circulating on social media about Customs and Border Patrol agents making stops and taking people into custody in Kern County. PHOTO: Jorg Vazquez
In a separate incident, the community mourned the loss of 8-year-old Genesis Mata, found dead in a Bakersfield motel. Her father, Ray Mata Jr., and stepmother, Graciela Bustamonte, were charged with first-degree murder and other felonies. Daisy Gomez commented, “There were signs on Genesis that you can say she was being abused.”
Photo of Genesis Ariah Mata, the 8-year-old girl found dead inside a bathtub at a central Bakersfield motel on August 2, 2025. (Photo: GoFundMe/Sophia Hernandez)
Tragedy struck again when Maya Hernandez left her sons in a car during a medical procedure. Her 1-year-old son, Amillio Gutierrez, died from heat exposure. Hernandez was found guilty of child abuse, but the jury deadlocked on murder charges. “I really don’t think she meant to hurt them,” said Martinez, the grandmother.
A Kern County jury was deadlocked on second-degree murder in the case of Maya Hernandez, the Visalia mother charged in the hot-car death of her one-year-old son, Amilio, and the endangerment of his two-year-old brother, Mateo, as she attended a medical spa for a liquid BBL in Bakersfield back in June of this year. She was found guilty on two counts of child endangerment. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
In August, a fight at Panorama Bluffs led to the shooting death of 17-year-old Brody Davis. Witness Trevyn Kent said, “It was traumatizing because at that point I tried to help him.” The suspect, Sebastian Dominguez, was arrested and pleaded not guilty to murder.
A witness identified the boy suffering from a gunshot wound as 17-year-old Brody Davis. PHOTO: GoFundMe, KeyNews.TV
A hit-and-run on the Westside Parkway left police puzzled. The crash scene had debris and body parts scattered for half a mile. Thomas Fryman, 51, was arrested later after calling the police. “In my 13 years with the police department, this is one of the more unique situations I’ve ever been involved in,” said Caleb Kiser of the BPD Traffic Division.
The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) said a suspect has been arrested during a suspicious death investigation. This is a photo of the investigation on May 3. (PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX)
The Bakersfield Police Department faced internal turmoil as Detective Marc Lugo was accused of inappropriate online conduct with a teenage girl. “The allegations against Detective Lugo are deeply disturbing and do not reflect the values of our department or the expectations of our community. We are a department that takes great pride in our professionalism and honorable service to our community.,” said Greg Terry.
Marc Lugo, a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was arrested and booked into jail on multiple charges. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner was charged with multiple felonies, including child abuse. His attorney, H.A. Sala, stated, “We firmly believe that after that happens we will be exonerated.”
Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner went to the courthouse for his felony arraignment Friday afternoon after he was faced with child abuse and gun charges. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
CSUB Athletics faced a scandal with the arrest of assistant coach Kevin Mays for trafficking and drug charges. He allegedly trafficked a woman in three states.
A manhunt in Delano for escaped murderer Cesar Hernandez ended in Tijuana after a shootout with Mexican police. He allegedly shot and killed a police commander. Hernandez was captured nine days later.
In May, Dr. Jocelyn Hively resigned as superintendent of the Standard School District following an investigation into her expenses. “We members of the Standard teachers association hereby submit this resolution of no confidence,” was stated during the investigation.
Eyewitness News Investigates{ }Superintendent Jocelyn Hively over accusations of attending too many out-of-area conferences. (Photo of Hively: Standard School District; Photo of SSD sign in background: KBAK/KBFX){ }
A fire in Lamont destroyed three mobile homes, displacing 11 people. Neighboring resident Jose Barocio said, “Once we saw the fire getting closer, I told my family just to grab as much as they could and get out.”
Fire is seen burning next to trees in a “destructive” 2-alarm fire in Lamont, Calif., on July 12, 2025. (KBAK/KBFX)
$4 billion in federal funding for the High-Speed Rail Project was pulled by the Trump administration. Alexandra Macedo commented, “Let’s invest in things that the valley residents actually need.”
Credit:{ }California High-Speed Rail Authority
Finally, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, a Bakersfield landmark, closed its doors. Shaw from the Buck Owens Private Foundation said, “The Owens family decided to go ahead and shut her down.”
PHOTO: Facebook, Buck Owens Crystal Palace