“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 \u2014 fixed. Horrible.”<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 firing bullets from a semiautomatic pistol at both the father and son.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Wes was also shot \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
![\"<em>Vernon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/kget_bakersfield_articles_800\/c1f6ee976d226afd6a764d86cebd5922.jpg\"\/)
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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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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 \u2014 being an example of change.”<\/p>\n
Dixon had a troubled childhood, just like Manuel Carrizalez, who is also focused on a better future for the youth.<\/p>\n