BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A 21-year-old man was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Adrian Esparza in Wasco in 2023, according to Kern County Superior Court officials. Juan Romero was denied probation.
The incident happened on Jan. 19, 2023, when deputies responded to 6th Street and Cedar Avenue, near Wasco High School, at around 4:48 p.m. They found Esparza suffering from a gunshot wound.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: Teen hurt following shooting in Wasco
The coroner’s report stated he was taken to Kern Medical, where he died a few days later on Jan. 21, 2023.
KCSO investigates a shooting of a teen in Wasco. PHOTO: KBAK/FOX58
Romero pleaded no contest in November 2025, according to the Kern County Superior Court website.
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Romero was credited with 980 days served and will serve his sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.