Zeferino Santos Perfecto, aged 49, tragically lost his life on January 1, 2019, in Delano, California. The incident occurred shortly after midnight during a family gathering near 700 Fremont Street. According to reports, Perfecto was shot and subsequently transported to Delano Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries around 1:16 a.m. The Delano Police Department immediately launched an investigation, treating the case as a homicide. Initial findings suggested that the shooting might not have been gang-related, and the possibility of unlawful celebratory gunfire was considered.
The investigation led to the arrest of Aurelio Perfecto Aguilar, aged 48, who was charged with a felony count of carrying a loaded firearm without registration. Aguilar was apprehended later that day around 3:40 p.m. The arrest and subsequent charges were based on court documents and police reports linking Aguilar to the shooting. Despite the arrest, the exact circumstances and motive behind the shooting remained unclear, prompting further investigation by the authorities.
Throughout the investigation, the Delano Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving the case. The incident marked the first homicide of 2019 in Kern County, drawing significant attention from local media and law enforcement agencies. As the case progressed, it highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by communities in addressing gun violence and ensuring public safety during celebratory events.
