BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Three children, ages 12, 13, and 16, have been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang in connection with the deadly shooting of a 53-year-old man in east Bakersfield.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said on July 18, 2026, around 7:25 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Crane Street regarding a report of a shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim died from his injuries at the scene and the other was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the man who died as 53-year-old Eric Wesley Lancaster of Bakersfield.
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Homicide detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.
KCSO said a 16-year-old juvenile was detained in the surrounding neighborhood and arrested regarding an unrelated investigation.
Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and were able to identify two other juvenile suspects, ages 12 and 13, as being involved in the shooting.
Further investigative efforts led to the arrest of the other two juvenile suspects on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and Sunday, August 2, 2026.
All three juvenile suspects were charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang.