Crime
17-Year-Old Levi Brown Killed in Shooting at Independence High School Football Game in Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday night during a football game at Independence High School in Bakersfield, prompting a major law enforcement response and the cancellation of the game.
The victim was identified as 17-year-old Levi Brown, who was transported to Kern Medical after being shot on the school campus.
Despite efforts to save his life, Brown was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The shooting happened at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Independence High School on Old River Road.
The incident occurred while the school was hosting a football game between Independence High School and Centennial High School.
Witnesses reported hearing approximately seven or eight gunshots during the game. The sound of gunfire caused people attending the event to flee as law enforcement officers responded to the campus.
Dozens of police officers and emergency personnel were dispatched to Independence High School. The campus was evacuated while officers investigated the shooting and worked to secure the area.
The Bakersfield Police Department said there was no active shooter and no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident and urged people to stay away from the area while the investigation continued.
The football game was canceled following the shooting.
The Kern High School District confirmed that an incident occurred during the Independence High School versus Centennial High School football game and said the event resulted in an injury.
In a statement, the district said Kern High School District Police and the Bakersfield Police Department responded and began investigating the incident. School officials emphasized that the safety of students, staff, families and the broader school community remains their top priority.
The district also expressed its condolences to those affected by the shooting and said additional information would be provided as it becomes available.
Bakersfield police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what led to the incident and who was responsible.
Authorities have not immediately released additional information about a possible suspect or motive.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.