HERNANDEZ GUILTY IN BPD DEATH

The man who led Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson on a fatal high speed chase has been found guilty of second-degree murder and four other felonies.

Julian Hernandez’ attorney argued he didn’t want to kill the officer during that pursuit three years ago, but prosecutor Jim Simson says Hernandez knew his reckless driving could have caused someone to get killed.

Hernandez was driving over 100mph before Officer Nelson hit a wall at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Panorama Drive, and he could get 26-years-to-life in prison at his sentencing.

Nelson was the first BPD officer in 30 years to die in the line of duty.

Kelli Pierce