Two teens have been convicted in connection with a 2022 home invasion robbery in northeast Bakersfield, California, where a third accomplice was killed, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Joseph Jimenez and Skylar Dean, who were 17 and 14 years old, respectively, at the time of the incident, have been found guilty of murder and robbery charges in juvenile court. Their conviction stems from their involvement in an attempted home invasion robbery at a residence on University Avenue, resulting in the death of a third accomplice, Aiden Marquez, 19.
The two will remain in custody until their 25th birthdays due to the fact that the crimes were committed while they were still juveniles. The case was tried through a jurisdictional hearing, which is equivalent to a criminal case being tried in adult court.
According to authorities, Jimenez, Dean, and Marquez had planned the home invasion robbery, aiming to steal money, guns, and other valuables from the property. Dean, who had been staying at the residence, allowed Jimenez and Marquez to enter, and the three then confronted a man and his children.
During a struggle inside the home, Jimenez stabbed the resident with a screwdriver, which ultimately led to Marquez being shot and killed at the scene. The responsibility for Marquez’s death was attributed to Jimenez and Dean by a judge.
Dispositional hearings, the equivalent of adult sentencing hearings, are scheduled for Jimenez and Dean later this month.