Reports suggest that the suspect in the Taco Bell shooting did not act alone

A man charged with murder in a deadly shooting outside a Bakersfield Taco Bell is believed to have had help from at least two others responsible for multiple homicides and shootings in the area, according to court documents. The names of the other suspects are redacted, and as of now, no co-defendants have been listed on the Superior Court website. The man, Noah Hernandez, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and is also facing charges of assault with a gun, shooting at an unoccupied vehicle or dwelling, and gang participation. Hernandez is being held without bail, and a hearing is scheduled for Friday.

The shooting occurred on Nov. 21, 2021, in the parking lot of the Taco Bell at 551 Weedpatch Highway, where Jose De La Torre was fatally shot. A witness to the incident reported that he and a teen had accompanied De La Torre to the parking lot to either buy or sell something, though he was unsure of the item. Gunshots rang out after they parked next to another car, with one of the individuals asking for a price and the teen responding with $150. De La Torre was shot and fell near their car, while the witness stayed with him as the teen ran. The shooter was described as a Black male, while the other person who got out of the car was identified as a Hispanic male.

De La Torre was taken to Kern Medical where he was pronounced dead the next morning. Investigators collected multiple shell casings and DNA swabs from various individuals, leading to charges being brought against Hernandez a month later. In addition to murder charges, Hernandez is also facing attempted murder charges for a separate case involving assault with a gun, shooting at an unoccupied vehicle or dwelling, and gang participation. He is currently being held in custody without bail.

The case involving Noah Hernandez reveals a larger issue of violent crime in the Bakersfield area, with multiple homicides and shootings believed to be linked to him and at least two other individuals. The redaction of the names of the additional suspects suggests ongoing investigations to identify and apprehend them. The witness’ account of the shooting sheds light on the events leading up to De La Torre’s death and the involvement of multiple parties in the incident.

The investigation into the deadly shooting outside the Bakersfield Taco Bell highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The collection of evidence, including shell casings and DNA samples, played a crucial role in identifying Noah Hernandez as a suspect and bringing charges against him. The upcoming hearing for Hernandez will provide further insight into the details of the case and the involvement of any potential co-defendants. The tragic loss of Jose De La Torre underscores the importance of addressing and preventing violent incidents in the community.