Benny Juarez Alcala Jr., a 43-year-old correctional counselor from Bakersfield, California, tragically lost his life on August 24, 2022. Alcala was shot and killed while charging his electric vehicle in the parking lot of a Target store in Southwest Bakersfield. The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m. when Alcala was approached by two men, one of whom was armed.
Despite attempting to flee, Alcala was shot twice, including once in the back, and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into Alcala's death led to the arrest of two suspects: Robert Pernell Roberts and Sebastian Parra. Roberts, a convicted felon, was identified as the shooter. He was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Parra was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree attempted robbery. Both men were found guilty by a Kern County jury in August 2024. Roberts received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years for his crimes. Parra was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
The murder of Benny Alcala Jr. shocked the Bakersfield community, where he was well-known and respected. Alcala had served in the U.S. Navy and worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 16 years. He was also an active member of his community, volunteering as a youth football coach and participating in various local organizations. His death prompted an outpouring of grief and support from family, friends, and colleagues, who remembered him as a dedicated public servant and a loving family man.
The legal proceedings against Roberts and Parra provided some measure of justice for Alcala's family, who delivered emotional victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing. Alcala's wife, Valerie, and their two sons, Anthony and Max, spoke about the profound loss they experienced and the lasting impact of Alcala's death on their lives. The community's response to the tragedy highlighted the deep connections Alcala had forged and the positive influence he had on those around him.
