On February 17, 2024, at approximately 7:32 p.m., 49-year-old Maximiliano Pineda was fatally shot in the 10300 block of Tatum Street in Lamont, California. Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) responded to reports of a shooting and discovered Pineda and another victim, 32-year-old Ernesto Garcia Jr., both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene, while Pineda was transported to Kern Medical, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The KCSO Homicide Unit has classified the case as a double homicide and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Pineda and Garcia. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not identified any suspects. Detectives are seeking information from the public to aid in solving the case.
Community members have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future. Pineda's death has been memorialized on platforms dedicated to honoring victims of gun violence, where friends and family have paid their respects.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at 661-861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness hotline at 661-322-4040. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through these channels, assisting law enforcement in bringing those responsible to justice.
