Nov 11, 2024
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The suspect of a fatal shooting Sunday night at The Marketplace has been identified as a 15-year-old Albert Briseno Jr., according to the Bakersfield Police Department. When 17 News visited the scene late Monday morning, cleanup efforts were still ongoing. And 17 News saw yellow circles on the ground, which indicate where bullet case markings were located. Here's what shoppers and businesses here at the Marketplace had to say. "Pretty devastating to hear what happened," said Alex Tieu, a Stockdale High School freshman. Dust storm blankets Bakersfield area Monday afternoon "Don't go at night," advised shopper Jeffrey Wood. "You wouldn't expect something like that like on a Sunday evening," said Manuel Compian, an employee at Old River Grill. It's shock and fear that linger after a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed Sunday evening around 8:30 in southwest Bakersfield. "It's really scary for our kids that are growing up. I feel like they're killing off our kids so faster than we can make them," said Misty Thomas-Roberts, a rehabilitation specialist for Kern Bridges Youth Homes. Thomas-Roberts visited cinema in the mall on Monday afternoon with a group of foster children. She remarked that one of the kids expressed surprise when she was told they'd still be going to the movies, despite what happened. As many shoppers said, the Marketplace is a popular spot. "I always come here to watch movies with my friends, and I was about to come here last night., and it was shocking to hear that that happened so close to us," recalled Jozilyn Tran, a Stockdale High School sophomore." Arron Horne, a resident of southwest Bakersfield, agreed: "I've been coming here I remember since like high school, this used to be our hangout spot like every weekend, so, and it'd always be a safe place to be." Horne added that it was always Valley Plaza Mall he was told to stay away from; he said he's surprised such violence made its way to "this part of town." "My kids used to come here," said Jeffrey Wood, a shopper. "We used to drop our kids off here. But now, I wouldn't suggest it." "I think I'll still come, just being a little nervous around what actually could happen," Tran said. BPD told 17 News late Monday afternoon that an arrest warrant for murder has been issued for the suspect, Albert Briseno Jr., though his whereabouts -- as well as the location of the firearm used in the shooting -- remain unknown. Albert Briseno Jr., 15 / Photo: Bakersfield Police Department Multiple businesses told 17 News that hours before the shooting, a large group of kids -- perhaps 50 or so -- were in the area and got in a fight. They said mall security dispersed them. Hours later, the businesses said, they heard multiple gunshots. Mountain Mike's Pizza shared surveillance video from the night with 17 News. It's unclear if those pictured in the footage have a connection to the shooting, but it helps depict the young crowd on Sunday evening. The shooting prompted Cal State University Bakersfield right across the street to go on lockdown and send out warnings to its community. An automated voicemail from the campus police goes, Be advised, shooting at Marketplace. [Suspect is] wearing a black sweatshirt with a diamond logo. Last seen north from Marketplace." Management for The Marketplace told 17 News is a statement, "First and foremost, our deepest sympathies are with the victim’s family. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation. For further updates, please direct any questions to the Bakersfield Police Department." Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage "Getting a gun on the streets is like getting candy … Who's influencing them? Well, the streets are," explained Manuel Carrizalez, touching on the greater issue of youth access to guns. He added, "[These kids are] not even thinking about the other kids walking by, or anybody else." Carrizalez is the founder and director of Stay Focused Ministries, which works to curb youth gun violence.
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service