Kern County District Attorney's Office

10/22/2026

SENTENCING UPDATE 🚨

Juan Carlos Toscano, Javier Angel Ontiveros, and Garret Sebastian Cole were each sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found them guilty of first-degree murder and found true the special circumstance that the murder was committed during the commission of a robbery, along with other charges.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Cyrus Shahbazian.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on September 23, 2022, when two victims, friends from Long Beach, California, drove up to Bakersfield to purchase “lean” (promethazine/codeine). When they arrived in Bakersfield, they were told to enter a detached garage located at 304 Real Road where the transaction was to take place. Once inside, Defendant Cole and Defendant Toscano drew fi****ms and Defendant Ontiveros and another individual (previously prosecuted) entered with masks and ri**es. The four held the victims at gun point, taking $8,000, a cell phone, wallet, and keys. A struggle ensued, and Defendants Cole and Toscano shot one of the victims, Taylor Poulin, in the head. One round entered the victim’s head from the right cheek, going through his brain, and exiting the back. The other round entered through the right temple and out the back of his head. The surviving victim was placed inside the trunk of a vehicle but managed to escape.

Cole, Ontiveros, and the other individual took the deceased victim’s body to Arizona where they attempted to bury him and cover their tracks. Evidence led officers to the defendants, as well as the victim’s body in Arizona.

This sentence ensures that these individuals are held responsible for their senseless acts of violence.

10/20/2026

This morning, a Kern County jury convicted Michael Allen Fontes, age 53, of the 1997 Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and Forcible R**e of Cari Anderson following a week of deliberations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant DA Ken Russell.

At 7:00am on November 24, 1997, Cari Anderson was found in a dirt field next to the Golder Empire Transit (GET) facility on Golden State Highway by a GET employee. Cari was naked, beaten, and her throat was cut three times. Despite her injuries, Cari survived and was transported to Kern Medical Center. A subsequential examination found that she was suffering from hypothermia, had four broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and had been sexually assaulted. Despite years of exhaustive investigation by Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) detectives, they were unable to identify a suspect and the case went unsolved for over two decades.

In 2019, Sergeant Abshire from the BPD’s Cold Case Unit enlisted help from the Oklahoma City FBI Office. Though the use of DNA techniques, law enforcement identified Fontes as the suspect in the assault. Following the new evidence, the BPD arrested Fontes in 2021.

Cari Anderson was a courageous survivor and spoke publicly about the crime committed against her in hopes of bringing her attacker to justice. While Cari lived to hear about the day Fontes was arrested, sadly, she passed away shortly after.

DA Zimmer commented; “I met Cari on the day Michael Fontes was arraigned in court in 2021. She passed away just months later, never knowing that the man who brutally assaulted her and left her for dead would likely spend the rest of his life in prison. With this verdict, I hope Cari can finally rest in peace.”

Sentencing is set for December 4, 2026. Fontes faces up to 38 years to life in prison.

10/20/2026

🏛️🇺🇸 District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer was proud to represent Kern County at the Reentry Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., joining policymakers, public safety leaders, and service providers from across the nation to discuss addiction, recovery, and reentry.

DA Zimmer shared Kern County’s work implementing Proposition 36, which allows individuals convicted of certain non-violent drug-related offenses to opt for supervised rehabilitation in lieu of incarceration, focusing on long-term public safety solutions.

➡️ In the first 90 days of implementation, Kern County filed more Proposition 36 cases per capita than any other county in California.

➡️ Since its implementation in December 2024, 32 individuals have successfully completed the comprehensive program, meaning at the time of graduation, they were consistently drug free, completed continuous counseling, and had no new law violations. Today, there are 132 individuals in various stages of the program who are on the road to recovery.

Thank you to Kathryn Burgum, White House Great American Recovery Co-Chair and Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery, Dr. Monty Burks, Director of the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department as a whole, and the SAMHSA for creating space for these important conversations. We’re proud of the progress being made in Kern County and hope our efforts help inform long-term public safety initiatives nationwide.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

For the fourth time, the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) has denied the release of Janetta Leiva, the convicted murderer who took the life of her three-month-old son.

Representing the DA’s Office at the hearing and requesting the denial was Supervising Deputy DA David McKillop.

On October 6, 1994, Leiva killed the victim by throwing his body up against the furniture and kitchen sink. Leiva lived in the Tehachapi area and had four minor children. Leiva was a frequent drug user and was under the influence of methamphetamine the night before the murder.

On the morning of the murder, Leiva wrapped a curling iron cord around the crying baby’s neck and walked out of the room. The victim’s 6-year-old sister grabbed a chair, climbed into the victim’s crib, and removed the cord from his neck. The victim continued to cry. Leiva returned to the bedroom and took the victim into another room. The victim’s sister heard the baby screaming and three loud “bang” sounds. Leiva returned with the victim and placed him back into the crib. The victim’s sister said that after Leiva placed the victim back into the crib, she spanked him hard one last time.

On March 21, 1995, in a case prosecuted by now DA Cynthia Zimmer, a Kern County Jury found Leiva guilty of first-degree murder and found that Leiva was sane at the time she committed the murder of her three-month-old infant. Leiva was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.

The recent parole hearing focused on Leiva’s failure to take domestic violence rehabilitation classes. She also has not had any counseling or taken any classes addressing recent claims of sexual abuse trauma.

The Kern County DA’s Office asked the BPH to deny parole. Ultimately, the BPH issued a three-year denial.

DA Zimmer commented; “The pursuit for justice doesn’t end at sentencing. More than 30 years after the conviction and through four parole hearings, we remain committed to accountability and will continue to stand firm in our efforts to protect public safety.”

10/06/2026

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer is proud to announce the appointment of Stephanie Taconi as Supervising Deputy District Attorney. 👏⚖️

Mrs. Taconi is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law. She began her career as a prosecutor with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office in 2013 and has served in nearly every unit within the office, including Domestic Violence, the Special Victims Unit, and Homicide.

Supervising DDA Taconi is a fierce and accomplished prosecutor who has tried numerous high-profile cases in Kern County, including several child death cases.

In her new role, Mrs. Taconi will supervise the Complaint/Calendars/Revocations and Post-Conviction Integrity Units.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Taconi on this well-deserved appointment! 🎉

10/05/2026

For the past 25 years, District Attorney Chief Investigator Randall Meyer has dedicated his life to serving the people of Kern County through various roles as a peace officer. Along the way, he has touched countless lives, advocated tirelessly for crime victims, and answered the call to serve his community with compassion and dedication. 🚔💙

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter as Chief Meyer enters retirement, a well-deserved opportunity to focus on the people and experiences that too often took a back seat to the badge.

On behalf of the law enforcement community and the residents of Kern County, thank you Chief Meyer, for your decades of public service. The badge may have come off, but your impact will last a lifetime. 👏

10/02/2026

A Kern County Jury has found Victor Farias Jr. guilty in the murder of his children’s mother.

On October 2, 2026, in a case prosecuted by Deputy DA Leanne Wilder, Farias was found guilty of first degree murder, child abuse, and resisting arrest. The jury also found true that Farias was armed with a knife at the time of the murder.

On March 25, 2026, just before 10:00p.m., Bakersfield Police officers were dispatched to a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, officers located Yolanda Rojo on the floor, with a slight pulse, covered in blood, and suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was rushed to Kern Medical where she was pronounced deceased.

Farias and the victim shared two children together, ages six and four, who witnessed the murder. The six-year-old child attempted to help her mother by calling the cops, but Farias took the phone away. Although being chased by Farias, the child was able to run out of the house to tell a neighbor.

Farias ultimately fled the area. After an extensive search, Farias was located in Tehachapi on March 26, 2026, where he resisted arrest.

Through an autopsy, it was discovered that the victim suffered 69 sharp force injuries on her head, neck, and back along with 23 stab wounds and numerous defensive wounds on her hands and arms.

DA Zimmer commented; “Victor Farias took Yolanda’s life believing he could silence her and conceal the truth. However, through the courage of her young children and the evidence recovered at the crime scene, Farias was ultimately found guilty of her premeditated murder, ensuring that Yolanda and her children obtained the justice they deserve.”

Sentencing is set for November 2, 2026 where Faria faces up to 25 years to life in prison, plus an additional year.

This verdict is especially meaningful during this time as October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every act of domestic violence matters, and tragedies like this remind us of the importance of advocacy, education, and community support. Anyone in need of support is encouraged to contact the Kern County Family Justice Center for FREE assistance.

09/28/2026

We were honored to join the Wendale Davis Foundation for the 19th Annual Walk for Peace.

The event is traditionally held in memory of Wendale Davis, who tragically lost his life to violence in Bakersfield at just 16 years old. Over the years, the event has grown to honor not only Wendale’s memory, but also the innocent lives impacted by violence throughout our community.

While we wish events like this weren’t necessary, we are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside our community in support and unity. 🤍🕊️

09/28/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Know who your children are communicating with online. 📲

Children are often surrounded by technology that can expose them to grooming, exploitation, and other harmful interactions.

Deputy DA David Eller recently spoke with 23ABC Bakersfield about the importance of being aware of your children’s online activity. As a reminder to the community, remember:

✅Talk to your children about what they’re doing online.
✅ Know who they’re communicating with.
✅ Know what they’re discussing.
✅ Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable coming to you if something doesn’t feel right.

‼️ If you suspect your child is being groomed, targeted, or exposed to inappropriate or harmful behavior by an adult online, take it seriously and contact law enforcement immediately.