Man gets 12 years for 2022 shooting in East Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man who prosecutors say fired a shot into a car out of jealousy, wounding the driver, was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison.

Jose Martinez, 24, was found guilty last month of assault with and recklessly discharging a gun.

On July 16, 2022, the victim picked up Martinez’s neighbor in East Bakersfield. Martinez, who previously dated the neighbor, saw her get into the car and leave.

When they returned, Martinez was standing on the corner, a gun in his hand, according to prosecutors.

Martinez approached the driver’s side window and told the man he better leave “his block” or he’d shoot him, prosecutors said. The man was driving away when Martinez fired a shot — hitting him in the lower back. He survived the injury.

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