Man found guilty in drive by shooting after falling out of getaway car

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.  – A man involved in a drive-by shooting in Delano was found guilty of first-degree murder by a Kern County Jury.

During the drive-by shooting, Carlos Carrillo fell out of the car and left evidence behind that led to his identification and today’s conviction.

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, a Kern County jury found Defendant Carrillo guilty of first-degree murder. The jury also found Carrillo guilty of two counts of Assault With a Firearm on two additional victims, one count of Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, two counts of Illegal Possession of Firearms, as well as charges for Possession of both Cocaine and Methamphetamine for Sale.

Late at night on June 16, 2019, Arturo Galvan III was dropping off two friends on Rounds Street in Delano. A gray Honda pulled next to Galvan and his friends. Carlos Carrillo, who was inside the Honda, fired six shots at the group of three victims. He shot Galvan three times and he later died from his injuries.

The three victims exited their truck to hide and avoid further gunfire. The victims’ truck was left in drive causing the truck to hit the Honda with Carrillo inside.

The Honda whipped around to drive away causing Carrillo to fall out of the Honda.

Carrillo hit his head on the street leaving a tiny spot of blood behind. Carrillo was able to get back into the Honda and getaway.

Delano Police Department Detective Antonio Alvarez found the tiny blood spot on the street after interviewing a witness who described the area Carrillo fell out of the Honda. The blood evidence was collected and preserved for analysis.

The Kern Regional Crime Laboratory developed a DNA profile from the spot of blood collected at the crime scene which matched the defendant’s DNA profile.

Carrillo was arrested for the murder on March 24, 2020 and during the arrest, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and illegal firearms in his bedroom.

The sentencing is set for April 23, 2021 where Carrillo faces a maximum sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole.

Carrillo was alleged to be a member of the Norteno criminal street gang operating in Delano.

Advised of the verdict, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented on the conviction:

“Police officers and Detectives responding to murder scenes are responsible for identifying every possible piece of evidence that may shed light on who perpetrated such a violent crime. The Delano Police Department successfully identified and preserved the key piece of evidence needed for our prosecutors to ensure justice is served in this case. Witnesses often provide crucial links to locating and preserving evidence in violent crimes, and every bit of information can help point detectives in the right direction.”