Man dies in custody of KCSO; cause and manner of death pending
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County coroner said a 67-year-old Bakersfield man died while in the custody of the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Robert Joseph Schutte was taken to Adventist Health Hospital on July 17, 2025, and was pronounced dead on July 21. The circumstances surrounding what Schutte was...
Blessing Corner to host Back-to-School Fun Day on Friday
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Blessing Corner is set to return with its Back-to-School Fun Day on Friday, where students can enjoy free resources and fun activities before they return to classrooms. The event is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 101 Union Ave., according to organizers. The charity will...
Downtown Bakersfield tattoo parlor vandalized amid swastika tattoo controversy
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A downtown Bakersfield tattoo parlor was vandalized overnight following allegations that one of its artists has a swastika tattooed on his body. The Electric Wizard Tattoo Castle on 19th Street was targeted, with its storefront glass shattered and the phrase "Nazis F*** Off"...
Feds seize 15 kilos of fentanyl, 30 kilos of cocaine from downtown Columbus apartment
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — An alleged member of the Crips gang from California is facing federal charges after authorities seized a large amount of drugs in Columbus, newly unsealed court documents say. Garry Tindall, of Bakersfield, California, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute five...
Father accused of torture-murder of Genesis Mata is gang member facing sentencing on gun,...
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Years before he was arrested in the grisly slaying of his 8-year-old daughter, admitted gang member Ray Mata Jr. allegedly flashed a ghost gun at a passing vehicle. Court records show he pleaded no contest last month to charges in both that case and another in which he was accused of […]
Woman who removed US flag at Hart Park held to answer on all charges
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A woman accused of vandalizing the U.S. flag at the entrance to Hart Park and threatening park rangers, claiming she was standing on “Mexican land,” was held to answer Thursday on all charges. The judge who heard Crystal Aguilar’s preliminary hearing determined there was sufficient...
Free workshops help parents understand special education rights
Several workshops this fall will help families in Kern, Tulare, Kings, and surrounding counties understand their rights when it comes to special education. The sessions are designed to support parents and caregivers of students who may need or are already receiving special education services. The free workshops are...
Bakersfield Stevie Wonder impersonator deemed unfit for trial, challenges findings
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Tino Ibach, a Bakersfield man known for his global performances as a Stevie Wonder impersonator, appeared in court following a mental health evaluation. Ibach is accused of inappropriate contact with a 3-year-old girl at a local gas station. A doctor found Ibach incompetent to stand...
12,200 Pounds of Trash Cleared from Two Illegal Dump Sites in Kern County (Video)
August 7, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a multi-agency coordinated cleanup effort took place on Wednesday involving 2 illegal trash dump sites, 8 personnel, 4 hours, 1 piece of heavy equipment, and 12,200 pounds of trash. U.S. Forest Service recreation, fire, and law enforcement,...
Kern & L.A. County firefighters tackle Frazier Park fire in abandoned building
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Fire crews were able to extinguish a fire that burned an abandoned building in Frazier Park early Thursday morning. The Kern County Fire Department said on Thursday, August 7, at 1:16 a.m., Kern County Fire Department Station 57 received a knock at their front door reporting a fire...
