Jack Owen Early Jr., aged 57, tragically lost his life on December 13, 2022, in Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred in the 7200 block of Cranbrook Avenue, where deputies from the Kern County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting around 5:02 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Early with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner's office later confirmed his identity and stated that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact manner and cause of death.
The investigation quickly led to the identification and arrest of Kevan Brown, a 40-year-old neighbor of Early. According to reports, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the two men, who were separated by a fence. The argument escalated, resulting in Early breaking a fence board and subsequently being shot multiple times by Brown. Witnesses reported that Early had returned outside to retrieve a beer when Brown confronted him, leading to the fatal shooting. Brown was arrested without incident and charged with murder.
In the legal proceedings that followed, Kevan Brown pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in November 2023. The first-degree murder charge initially brought against him was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. During the sentencing hearing, a letter from Early's wife was read, expressing the profound loss and pain experienced by the family. Despite the judge's initial reservations about the plea deal, Brown was sentenced to 21 years in prison in January 2024.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of neighborhood disputes escalating into violence and the subsequent legal ramifications. The community of Bakersfield was left to grapple with the loss of Jack Owen Early Jr. and the impact of the incident on both families involved.
