On the evening of August 24, 2024, at approximately 9:37 p.m., McFarland Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of East Perkins Avenue in McFarland, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 34-year-old Xavier Campa Lopez lying unresponsive in the roadway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an intensive investigation, authorities identified 22-year-old Michael Mendez of Delano as a suspect in the homicide. On October 1, 2024, officers from the McFarland Police Department, with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and the Kern County Probation Department, executed a search warrant at a residence in Delano. Mendez was arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with Lopez's death.
Mendez was arraigned on the murder charge and related firearm offenses, pleading not guilty during his court appearance. He was ordered to be held without bail, with subsequent court dates scheduled to proceed with the legal process.
The tragic death of Xavier Campa Lopez has deeply affected the McFarland community, prompting ongoing discussions about public safety and gun violence. Community members have expressed their condolences and are closely following the legal proceedings to ensure justice is served for Lopez and his family.
