The Bakersfield Police Department has announced two arrests related to a March fatal collision.On July 9th, 2021, officers of the Bakersfield Police Department arrested Javontae Murphy (23) of Bakersfield for second degree murder, hit & run, assault with a deadly weapon, street-racing, DUI, destruction of evidence, and other charges.

On July 12th, 2021, Devin Rufus (22) of Bakersfield was arrested for accessory to hit & run and aiding and abetting street-racing.

The investigation revealed that three vehicles were involved in a street-race beginning at 6801 Panama Lane with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Due to the high speeds involved, all three vehicles became airborne at the intersection of Panama Lane and Stine Road. Upon landing, Vehicle #1 nearly collided with an occupied uninvolved vehicle before rolling over, striking trees, and ejecting the driver. The driver died at the scene as a result of his injuries. Vehicle #2 also nearly collided with the uninvolved vehicle, but was able to recover. Vehicle #3 collided with the center median resulting in complaints of pain from the driver and passenger.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Ott at (661) 326-3967 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at 02:30 A.M. the Bakersfield Police Department responded to Panama Lane and Stine Road regarding an injury collision involving two vehicles.

An adult male driver sustained major injuries from the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, an adult male, and his passenger were both transported by ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries. The identity of the decedent will be released at a later time by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

Speed is a contributed factor to the collision. At this time drugs or alcohol are unknown factors to the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.