Home / Crime and Justice / Death Penalty Waived in Dispensary Double Murder
Death Penalty Waived in Dispensary Double Murder
4 Sep
Summary
- Two men charged with murder now face life without parole.
- Charges stem from a May 2025 shooting at a Bakersfield dispensary.
- Three other individuals are also facing charges in the incident.
Prosecutors have announced they will not seek the death penalty against Terrance Thompson, 19, and Darwin Young Jr., 21. Both men are charged with murder, robbery, and gang offenses in connection with a deadly shooting at a marijuana dispensary. The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, in the 1600 block of Flower Street in east Bakersfield.
If convicted, Thompson and Young now face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The shooting resulted in the deaths of Damien Joseph Bullard, 26, and Anthony Victor Ochoa, 37. Investigators identified one of the suspects from surveillance video, leading to an arrest and the seizure of marijuana.
Nancy Ruiz, identified as Young's girlfriend, is charged solely with robbery. Authorities also seized a ski mask and backpack believed to have been worn by Young during the robbery. Two additional defendants, Traedyn Brookins and Ramahs Turner, were juveniles when the shooting occurred and have had their cases heard in juvenile court.
