BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Three people pleaded not guilty in the January 2025 stabbing death of 21-year-old Jason Raymond Mena in east Bakersfield, according to Kern County Superior Court records. The primary suspect, Matthew Chavez, faces murder.
Matthew Chavez also faces two enhancement charges related to the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon and circumstances of aggravation involving great violence or bodily harm.
Co-defendants Larry Chavez and Michelle Ballantine face accessory charges. They also pleaded not guilty on Dec. 29, the court website shows…