BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A family continues to mourn the loss of a 53-year-old man who was allegedly gunned down by three juveniles — one of them as young as 12 years old.
The shooting happened in a seemingly quiet area of Crane Street in east Bakersfield. That peace turned into chaos the night Eric Lancaster was fatally shot, according to his father, who witnessed the whole thing.
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“Seeing my son go down, and seeing his fixed eyes, that is something I will never forget,” said the victim’s father, Vernon ‘Wes’ Lancaster. “His eyes were just — fixed. Horrible.”
Wes Lancaster said he and his son were minding their own business on July 18 when the group of teens attempted to steal a backpack from Eric Lancaster. Eric tried to run from the young boys on his bike when they chased him — firing bullets from a semiautomatic pistol at both the father and son.
“He got caught up in it randomly,” Lancaster said. “It wasn’t his fault. He didn’t do anything. He didn’t know those kids.”
Wes was also shot — a bullet going through his thigh. He’s grateful to be alive, but wishes his son could be too. He describes his son as a loving person who didn’t deserve what happened to him.
Vernon Wes Lancaster and his son Eric Lancaster were shot on July 18, 2026. Three juveniles are facing murder and attempted murder charges. Wes survived, but his son did not.
“He would put down what he had, what he was doing and help someone if they asked. Immediately,” Lancaster said. “There’s no bones about it. He’d be ready.”
The death of Eric Lancaster is shedding light on a broader issue in Kern County: youth violence.
Local advocates said the teens need to be held accountable, but to stop this from happening again, kids need more guidance.
“We can’t be what we don’t see,” said CEO of nonprofit C.H.A.N.G.E.S, Jaubrae Dixon. “That’s just what we need to continue to prioritize — being an example of change.”
Dixon had a troubled childhood, just like Manuel Carrizalez, who is also focused on a better future for the youth.
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“The question is who’s influencing them?” asked Carrizalez. “Because we have to be there to mentor them.”
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the 13- and 16-year-olds are related. The 12-year-old was just a friend.
The District Attorney’s office said it filed a motion for the oldest to be tried as an adult. All of them face charges for murder, attempted murder and other related crimes.
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