Kern County Rap Artist Reportedly Convicted in Connection to Several Violent Incidents, Including Attempted Murder
Jayden Laughlin, a local rap artist, has reportedly been found guilty of a series of crimes, including premeditated attempted murder and other related offenses, following a trial that spanned two months in Kern County. The trial covered four specific incidents of violence that occurred over the course of years. Deputy District Attorney Cyrus Shahbazian presented the evidence to the jury.
Details of the investigation and court case were laid out in a press release issued by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office in late March.
According to the release, the first incident took place on October 19, 2019, when eight juvenile victims were skateboarding at Riverwalk Park. Laughlin and his associates approached the victims, brandished a firearm, and demanded their phones, wallets, and money. After robbing the victims, Laughlin and his two associates fled the area. Officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were able to identify Laughlin as “Jaybo,” and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Another incident occurred on November 9, 2019, when Laughlin fired six rounds at a victim who had attempted to avoid Laughlin and his group. Laughlin had chased and confronted the victim, reportedly stating that the victim had “disrespected the set.” Laughlin was arrested shortly after the incident as he was being driven away from the scene.
Both incidents occurred when Laughlin was just 17 years old, and the cases were initially filed in juvenile court. However, the District Attorney’s Office petitioned, and the court permitted transfer to adult court, given the severity of the crimes. Laughlin posted bail on both incidents, which was set at $196,500 when transferred to adult court.
Another incident occurred on May 25, 2022, when Laughlin fired seven rounds at a victim who had attempted to report Laughlin’s erratic driving to law enforcement. Two rounds struck nearby houses, causing damage. Laughlin was identified through photographs taken by the victim and video surveillance from neighboring residences. Laughlin was arrested a week later by the Arvin Police Department on an outstanding warrant.
On June 17, 2022, Laughlin and his gang associate threatened and pointed a large AR-15 style rifle at another victim on Stockdale Highway, leading to Laughlin’s arrest by the Bakersfield Police Department.
Given the repeated violent incidents and Laughlin’s continued criminality, the District Attorney’s Office requested that bail be denied entirely. The request was granted by Superior Court Judge Chad Louie, who denied any further bail opportunities for Laughlin, who remained in custody since his arrest on the evening of June 17, 2022.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented on the convictions, stating that “Jayden Laughlin engaged in a veritable years-long crime spree that ends today. Over the course of 4 incidents, Laughlin victimized more than a dozen members of the community, opened fire multiple times and is a prime example of why bail determinations are so important to public safety.”
Sentencing is scheduled for April 26, 2023, in front of Honorable Judge Dulcich. Laughlin faces a sentence of more than 90 years to life.
