Simon Jorge Prieto, a 27-year-old resident of Lamont, California, tragically lost his life on July 6, 2018. Simon and his friend Carlos Gomez, 21, were fatally shot outside Sam’s Market at the intersection of Paradise Road and Waco Avenue. The two friends had gone to the store to prepare for a gathering with friends when a black SUV pulled up and gunfire erupted. Gomez was shot first, and as Prieto tried to flee, he was also struck by the gunfire.
Both men succumbed to their injuries at the scene, unable to make it to the hospital.
The incident left the community in shock and mourning. Simon Prieto was remembered as a loving husband, father of four, and a cherished member of his family and community. His wife, Diorica Prieto, and his mother, Theresa Prieto, have been vocal in their calls for justice, urging anyone with information to come forward. Despite their efforts and the passage of time, the case remains unsolved. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has not made any arrests, and there have been no significant leads in the investigation. Witnesses to the shooting have not come forward with information that could help identify the suspects, described only as two young men in the SUV.
The Prieto family continues to honor Simon’s memory through annual vigils held at the site of the shooting. Each year on July 6, family and friends gather to release balloons in his and Carlos Gomez’s honor, hoping to keep their memories alive and to remind the community of the unresolved tragedy. The family’s quest for justice remains steadfast, with Diorica Prieto often appealing to the conscience of the unknown gunman, urging them to turn themselves in and provide the family with the closure they desperately seek.
The lack of progress in the investigation has been a source of frustration and heartache for the Prieto family. They have expressed their sorrow and longing for answers, emphasizing the impact Simon’s death has had on his children and the entire family. The community’s support has been a source of comfort, but the absence of justice continues to cast a shadow over their lives. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to solving the case and has encouraged anyone with information to contact them or the Secret Witness hotline, ensuring that tips can be provided anonymously.
