3 killed, including 17-month-old baby in an apparent murder-suicide on South M Street in south Bakersfield

On Monday night, tragedy struck in south Bakersfield as three individuals, including a 17-month-old infant, lost their lives following a reported shooting at a residence.

Deputies were dispatched to the scene on the 1900 block of South M Street on October 16, 2023, at approximately 6:15 p.m. in response to a shooting report within a home.

Upon arrival, they discovered a man, a woman, and a child within the residence, all bearing the signs of a brutal assault.

The man was discovered with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives were called in to lead the investigation.

The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the three individuals who lost their lives: 30-year-old Luis Carlos Jimenez, 36-year-old April Trujillo Salinas, and a 17-month-old baby girl, all residents of Bakersfield.

The coroner’s report states that all three were fatally shot at the scene. While it remains unclear whether Luis Carlos Jimenez, 30, is the father of Mercedes, Jimenez was found deceased at the scene due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies have verified that Salinas was Mercedes’ mother. However, the nature of the relationship between Luis Carlos and Salinas remains unknown.

According to authorities, all three individuals succumbed to their injuries at the location.

The sheriff’s office has not disclosed any additional details about the incident.

Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or utilize the Kern Secret Witness hotline at 661-322-4040.