BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Dennis Paul Clevenger was charged with attempted murder after an assault in April near a GET bus station — and could soon face even more serious charges.
The man Clevenger is accused of hitting in the head died last week at a rehabilitation center in Pomona, according to coroner’s officials. An autopsy will be performed.
“Once we have the findings of the autopsy, the lead detective will be in contact with the handling deputy district attorney to ensure Clevenger’s charges accurately reflect the circumstances,” Bakersfield police Sgt. Eric Celedon said in an email.
On the night of April 27, Rodolfo Arredondo III, 58, was sleeping outside just north of 22nd Street in Downtown Bakersfield when Clevenger walked past him several times, according to a probable cause declaration.
Surveillance video shows Clevenger, 37, retrieve a blunt object from his pants, raise it above his head then slam it down on Arredondo’s head, according to the declaration.
Arredondo managed to get up and walk to a gas station. He was taken to a hospital where it was determined he had bleeding on the brain and blood clots, according to the declaration.