2025 northeast Bakersfield gang killing case moved to April 27

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The homicide trial for Jaden Ambriz, accused of his function in shooting and killing 18-year-old Evan Zion Alema over a gang dispute in northeast Bakersfieldhas been rescheduled for subsequent Monday.

Bakersfield police mentioned officers have been referred to as at about 12:55 am Oct. 5, 2025, to the 3425 Meadow Vista Court for a report of a taking pictures. When officers arrived, they discovered Alema affected by gunshot wounds. Alema later died on the scene.

Police mentioned investigators discovered bodily proof and obtained witness statements. During a canvass, officers additionally situated video surveillance footage displaying a doable suspect automobile.

Court data revealed that Ambriz, 20 on the time, and Justin Hernandez-Florez, 24 on the time, waited outdoors a home social gathering for Alema, a documented energetic member of the Colonia Baker Street gang.

Police mentioned they adopted Alema to his dwelling, and Hernandez-Flores obtained out of the passenger seat, pulled out a gun, and tried to rob Alema. Alema’s mom watched because the occasions unfolded.

Hernandez-Flores then shot Alema within the neck and left, the paperwork state. Alema died on the scene. Police mentioned Hernandez-Flores was a recognized energetic East Side Baker Street gang member and was prohibited from possessing weapons.

Jaden Ambriz seems in court docket on April 23, 2026. KBAK/KBFX

Police famous the continuing rivalry between the 2 gangs. The killing was accomplished to profit the East Side Baker Street Gang, the paperwork said.

Police arrested Justin Hernandez-Florez and Ambriz on the identical day because the killing. Hernandez-Flores doesn’t seem to be charged on the Kern County court docket web site as of April 23, 2026.

Hernandez-Flores mentioned in a police interview that whereas he was getting out of the automobile, he was grabbed on his arm by Aleman, and the gun by chance discharged. He mentioned he didn’t deliberately kill Alema, and it was not over the gang rivalry.

However, proof from Flores’s cellphone revealed a photograph of Hernandez-Flores driving by means of the crime scene, throwing up a “CK” along with his fingers, which police mentioned means (*27*)

Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, D-Delano, released a statement shortly after the deadly shooting in northeast Bakersfield due to the incident occurring close to her dwelling.

A murder investigation is underway after a taking pictures in northeast Bakersfield left an 18-year-old useless. PHOTO: KeyNews.TV

Ambriz is due to seem on April 27, 2026, for a preliminary listening to. He pleaded not responsible to homicide in Oct. 2025.