Full Notification

On December 31^st, 2015, 43 year old Ismael Ramirez was shot to death in the 1000 block of 16^th Street in Wasco.

During the course of the investigation, which has been ongoing, detectives were able to identify three suspects; 18 year old Cristian Gomez, 30 year old Vincente Ibarra, and 23 year old Omar Araujo. Detectives were able to obtain arrest warrants for all three suspects charging them with murder.

On January 13^th, 2016, Gomez was located at a home in the 1400 block of “D” Street in Wasco by deputies from the Wasco substation and taken into custody. He was arrested for murder, conspiracy, attempt murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon, and participating in a criminal street gang. Gomez was in possession of a loaded handgun when arrested.

On January 22^nd, Ibarra was located by deputies from the Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit at an apartment in the 2600 block of Poso Dr. in Wasco. Ibarra attempted to flee on foot but was arrested after a short foot pursuit. Ibarra was also in possession of a loaded handgun when he was taken into custody. He was arrested for murder, conspiracy, attempt murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon, participating in a criminal street gang, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both Gomez and Ibarra are being held without bail.

Araujo has not been located and the Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in locating him. He should be considered armed and dangerous. For further information on Araujo see attached wanted poster.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information on this case they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.

*ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE*

On December 31, 2015, at 10:15 PM, deputies were dispatched to 16th St and Gaston St in Wasco, for a victim of a shooting.  Deputies arrived and located an adult male victim who had been shot.  The victim was transported to Kern Medical Center in critical condition.  Kern County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives were called to the scene to assume the investigation.  

On January 3, 2016, the victim succumbed to his injuries and died at KMC.  No suspects have been arrested in this case and the case is currently under investigation.  The victim’s name will be released later by the coroner's office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 661-861-3110 or secret witness at 322-4040.