Photo: prior to the shooting
“We are taking the extraordinary step of releasing a video of a homicide which occurred in the City of Bakersfield. The purpose of this release is to illustrate the cycle of gang violence that is plaguing our community and to highlight the need for our community to combat the senseless violence in partnership with the police department, to create a home where all can flourish, free from fear.
Often law enforcement is unable to release surveillance footage in a timely manner as to not compromise an on-going investigation or taint follow-up court proceedings. This vacuum of information leaves the community unaware of the level of violence plaguing our city.
2021 brought record levels of firearm related violence to our community, affecting all neighborhoods and walks-of-life. The City of Bakersfield has investigated five murders since the beginning of the new year. One of those murders is the murder of Errol Scorza (30) on January 26th, in the 900 block of M Street.
As shown in the released video; In 2014, Scorza was responsible for the shooting death of Abel Trujillo (25) in the 800 block of L Street in a senseless act of violence. Additional involved subjects in that investigation have yet to be identified. This homicide illustrates the cycle of violence, as Scorza’s 2022 murder is believed to be related to the 2014 homicide.”
Regardless of the circumstances of those involved, the victims are cherished by family and families are destroyed by their loss. Often, unintended and uninvolved people are victims, like in the unsolved shooting death of 13-year-old Ahmaya Alexander on June 26th, 2021 in the 300 block of Eye Street.
No arrests have been made in the murder of Scorza. We are asking for the community’s help to bring closure to the families of those affected by gun violence in this incident and too many others and help create an environment where violence is not tolerated. An important step in that process is that those in the community with information regarding these acts step forward and provide information to law enforcement.
The cycle of violence can be interrupted but it will take all of us to be involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement and can provide information anonymously through Kern Secret Witness, www.bakersfieldpd.us or via text.”
