Teen Gun Plot Foiled After Bakersfield Murder

In Bakersfield, six individuals, three of whom are under 18, were arrested following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Levi Brown on Friday night. Authorities believe the arrested group may have been preparing a retaliatory attack.

Eighteen-year-old Jaheim Leverett appeared in court Tuesday, facing six felony charges including conspiracy and weapons possession as a convicted felon, alongside gang-related charges. He was apprehended in an Uber with two 15-year-olds, during which a Glock-style firearm was discovered. Leverett has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a future court appearance.

Also arrested were 18-year-olds Adam Parras and Sean Reyes, and an unnamed 17-year-old, who are expected in court later this week. Reyes has a prior record, having pleaded no contest earlier this year to multiple felony counts, including possession of stolen property and gun possession in association with a criminal street gang.

The city of Bakersfield continues to grapple with persistent and often unsolved teen gang violence. Previous cases include the 2021 killing of 12-year-old Ahmaya Alexander, the 2020 death of 15-year-old Luis Castillo Jr., and the shooting at the Marketplace two years ago that claimed the life of 15-year-old Prince Michael Banner. In a separate recent incident this month, three suspected gang-affiliated teens were allegedly involved in the shooting death of a 53-year-old on Crane Street.