Two suspected Bakersfield gang members are behind bars in connection to a three-year-old murder case.

Dahmonte Cooks, 22, and Johnesha Avila, 26, appeared in court Tuesday to enter not guilty pleas for the shooting death of Jarvis Naff, Jr., 26, in the 8600 block of Aliva Street in south Bakersfield in April 2022.

Naff was leaving a party when several people approached him before shooting and killing him.

Cooks faces charges including first degree murder. Avila is charged with conspiring to commit a crime and gang conspiracy.

Their next court date is August 28.