On April 19, 2023, at approximately 4:53 p.m., Delano Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at the North Kern Cemetery, located at the intersection of Garces Highway and Albany Street in Delano, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 43-year-old Ruben Tapia suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Tapia was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigations revealed that a confrontation had erupted among a group of individuals at the cemetery. During the altercation, 25-year-old Eduardo Hernandez allegedly brandished a firearm. A struggle ensued over the weapon, during which Tapia was shot multiple times. Following the shooting, Hernandez fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
The following day, on April 20, Hernandez was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the San Ysidro Border Crossing as he attempted to enter Mexico. He was subsequently handed over to Delano police and booked into the Kern County Jail on suspicion of murder.
However, on April 25, the Kern County District Attorney's office announced that no charges would be filed against Hernandez at that time, citing unresolved issues related to potential self-defense claims. The case was returned to the Delano Police Department for further investigation to address these concerns.
As of now, the investigation remains active. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact Detective Ozuna at the Delano Police Department by calling (661) 721-3377, extension 1501.
