BAKERSFIELD, CA — A late-night shooting on Stockdale Highway has claimed the life of 20-year-old Izaiah Thor Rodriguez, leaving a Bakersfield community in mourning. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity following the fatal incident, which occurred shortly before midnight on Thursday, June 13.
Police officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of Stockdale Highway around 11:57 p.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance. Officers in the vicinity reported hearing gunshots and quickly responded. Upon arrival, they discovered Rodriguez suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to Kern Medical Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite emergency efforts.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers witnessed a juvenile male fleeing the scene as they arrived. A brief search of the area led to the suspect’s arrest without further incident. Due to the suspect’s age, authorities have not released his identity or specific age. Investigators recovered a firearm believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. A witness at the scene positively identified the juvenile during a field lineup conducted shortly after the arrest.
At this time, authorities have not released information about a possible motive or the relationship between Rodriguez and the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. Police are also reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
In the days following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched by family and friends to support funeral expenses and honor Rodriguez’s memory. The fundraising campaign paints a picture of a joyful and kind young man, known affectionately as “Zay.” He had recently celebrated his 20th birthday in March and had just started a new job at Chili’s, where coworkers described him as friendly and full of life.
Rodriguez’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends, family, and coworkers are grieving the sudden loss of a young man who, they say, always lifted the spirits of those around him. As the investigation continues, loved ones are calling for justice and remembering a life cut tragically short.
