Reports describe the murder as allegedly committed by teenagers aged 18 and 13

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — They got into an argument with a man they encountered in southeast Bakersfield. He surprised them with how well he defended himself, using a tree branch to keep them at bay.

Lance Burnett, 18, had enough. According to recently released police reports, he told 13-year-old Dylan Fermin Flores to keep an eye on the man while he went home. Flores, armed with a knife, agreed.

Shortly afterwards, Burnett returned with a gun.

The man tried to run, but they chased him and Burnett shot several times, killing him, Flores told police.

Both he and Burnett are charged with murder in the shooting, which happened last month in a large field southwest of South Washington Street and East Belle Terrace.

The victim’s name had not yet been released as of Friday.

Flores’ case is being handled by juvenile court. Because he is under 16 years old, he cannot be transferred to adult court. If found guilty, Burnett faces life in prison. If convicted, Flores could be held in a juvenile facility until age 25.

Police are familiar with Burnett — they interviewed him in March in connection with a sexual assault investigation, the reports say. He was on juvenile probation for assault, conspiracy, brandishing a weapon, criminal threats and vandalism.

The shooting

On October 27, police were called to the field by a couple who told officers they heard bullets whizzing past their house. After seeing people leaving the field, they investigated and found the body.

Four spent shell casings were recovered.

The police searched the area for surveillance images. They found a video of the incident. It showed three teenagers on motorcycles and the victim.

On October 30, police arrested Flores and another juvenile who matched the description of two of the suspects. They rode mini bikes and wore face masks that matched the ones in the video.

A teenager — who has not been charged — told police that on the day of the shooting he was riding a red bicycle with Flores and a man he did not know.

He said they stopped near the victim and he stayed behind the other two as they tried to fight the man, the reports said.

Burnett has been away for a while, he said. When he returned, Burnett drove close to the victim — and shots rang out, the teen told police.

The teen refused to admit that Burnett was the shooter, the reports say, telling police only that neither he nor Flores had shot.

Flores gave a similar account of events – and admitted to inciting the fight, according to reports. He identified Burnett in a photo lineup as the shooter.

Flores also shared with police a video he took with his cell phone. It shows the victim lying face down in the field as Flores holds a knife and shouts that they just killed him, according to the reports.

Police noted that Flores’ statement was consistent with the surveillance video they found.

Flores’ next hearing is scheduled for early December and Burnett is due back in court in January. Both remain in custody.

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