On the evening of October 15, 2023, at approximately 8:40 p.m., 36-year-old Delano resident Juan Ruben Cortez was fatally shot while traveling in a vehicle on Pond Road between Stanley and Garzoli avenues in Delano, California. A female passenger accompanying him sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, Cortez was taken to Adventist Health Delano, where he was pronounced dead.
The Kern County Coroner's Office later confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds, officially ruling his death a homicide.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Cortez's family sought community support to cover funeral expenses. His sister, Marissa Cortez, organized a GoFundMe campaign, expressing the family's grief and the need for assistance during this difficult time.
As of now, the investigation led by the Kern County Sheriff's Office remains active. No suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.
