The man convicted of second-degree murder for leading Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson on a high-speed chase has been sentenced to 31-years-to-life in prison.

Julian Hernandez was driving 100mph across northeast Bakersfield before Nelson hit a wall on Mt. Vernon Avenue and Panorama Drive in 2015. Police Chief Lyle Martin says Nelson died doing what he loved and will never be forgotten.

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

Hernandez claims he did not intend to kill the officer and will appeal.

Kelli Pierce