'We're going to have a better area': Officials investigate homicide, work to improve Edison Mobile Home Park
Apr 01, 2025
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- It's been almost four months since a fire at Edison Mobile Home Park killed two women, left dozens homeless and sparked a homicide investigation.
Two women were killed in the fire. After calling KCSO Tuesday morning, minutes after we received new details on the two
women.
The coroner identified one victim as 54-year-old, Laurie Kimberly Cantu.
Her cause of death was burns and smoke inhalation, according to the coroner. Coroner investigators say drugs were contributing factors, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine.The other victim's identity hasn't been released. Her cause of death is still pending.
Coroner investigators say they are still looking for family members to formally identify her.
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Other park residents said the second victim is a woman named Amber.
There are still multiple unanswered questions:
What was the relationship of the two women?
Why is Cantu's death a homicide investigation, but the other woman is not?
What caused the fire?
Why has no arrest been made yet?
District 2 Supervisor, Chris Parlier went to the park and said Edison residents have no need to worry.
"I know that the sheriff's department is doing a great job investigating wherever that tragedy leads, but the residents, the current residents around here are really happy with the changes and I think we're gonna have a better, safer area," said Parlier.
Edison Mobile Home Park is now a gated community and PG&E was working on the power lines Tuesday.
The park looks entirely different; almost all the trailers have been pulled out, a gated entrance was set in place and walls in the back of the park.
The Dec. 8th fire destroyed multiple trailers and cut out the power. The residents have been without power for that long, running what they could off of generators.
"Out of ashes and tragedy the Edison trailer park is finally being restored," Parlier said. "Electricity is being restored, and you're gonna have new tenants and trailers in this park soon."
Parlier said the owner is making an almost $2 million investment into the park. ...read more read less
