BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A 25-year-old man was convicted Feb. 10, 2026, of multiple felony charges after prosecutors said he beat his girlfriend with a semiautomatic firearm, held the gun to her head, and threatened to kill her and her family during an incident in February 2024.
Jayden Toralba was found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, criminal threats, domestic violence, false imprisonment, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Prosecutors said the violence began the evening of Feb. 15, 2024, when Toralba and his girlfriend got into a verbal fight that escalated when he allegedly struck her with a semiautomatic firearm. Prosecutors said he then held the gun to her head and threatened to kill her and her family, and later struck her in the face and stomach multiple times.
Prosecutors said Toralba used the woman’s cellphone to record her after the assault, and that he urinated on her and was seen spitting on her in the video.
Toralba also prevented the woman from leaving the room by pushing her away from the door and choking her, prosecutors said. Minutes later, prosecutors said, he left the home with the firearm, returned shortly afterward, and hid the gun inside a duffel bag.
Bakersfield police officers were contacted by the woman and recovered the firearm.
“Toralba’s actions were deeply disturbing and completely inexcusable. Everyone deserves to feel safe in a romantic relationship, and today’s outcome sends a clear message that those who threaten that safety, will be held accountable,” Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said.
Toralba is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence is asked to contact the Kern County Family Justice Center at (661) 868-5950 or the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-273-7713. All services are free, and no appointment is necessary.