BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 33-year-old man was convicted of a murder in East Bakersfield in June, the Kern County District Attorney announced Friday.

On June 18, Richard Cortez was convicted of first-degree murder in the December 2022 death of Joshua Samarripas. Cortez was also convicted of using a firearm.

According to court documents, Kern County Sheriff’s officers were called to the 3300 block of Center Street at approximately 8:38 p.m. on December 30, 2022, for a shooting.

When they arrived, officers said they saw a victim sitting in front of 919 Pesante Street, just west of the first reported area. The victim, later identified as Samarripas, was slumped over and leaning against a car.

Samarripas was initially responsive when officers discovered a gunshot wound to his upper right back. He was taken to Kern Medical, where he died, prosecutors said.

Investigators searched the area and found surveillance video of a Tacoma pickup truck, which was later determined to be stolen. According to the prosecutor, Cortez followed Samarripas and passed him as he walked down the street.

Cortez stopped the truck in the middle of the road, got out, pointed a gun at Samarripas and fired two shots, prosecutors said. Samarripas was injured and ran toward Pesante Street, where he was later found by officers.

Officers later found the pickup abandoned and found evidence linking Cortez to the truck and the murder. An investigation revealed that Cortez and Samarripas knew each other.

“These extreme acts of violence, committed by felons who illegally possess firearms, are a top law enforcement priority. Violence on our streets and in our neighborhoods will not be tolerated,” said Kern DA Cynthia Zimmer.

The split trial is scheduled for August 19. The date for the verdict will be announced at a later date.

Cortez faces up to 15 years to life in prison for the murder, plus 25 years to life for using a firearm to commit murder.