Robert Overdevest

Robert Overdevest, a 24-year-old man from Bakersfield, California, was remembered by his family as having a "heart of gold" and a "personality like no other." He left behind a young son and many people who loved him. In a final act of generosity after his death, his organs were donated, allowing him to be a hero and live on through others. His passing on July 21, 2024, was especially painful for his family, as it occurred exactly two years to the day after his mother's death.

On the evening of July 18, 2024, Robert and his girlfriend were involved in an altercation with three people near the Root Beer King on Niles Street. During the argument, one of the individuals, a woman, allegedly threatened them. Robert and his girlfriend drove away in his pickup truck, but the other group followed them in a tan Toyota Camry to an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Mount Vernon Avenue.

Surveillance footage from the apartment complex captured what happened next. As Robert backed his pickup into a parking spot to turn around, the Camry pulled up behind him. The car’s right rear passenger door opened, and two gunshots were fired. One of the shots struck Robert in the eye. He was transported by a private vehicle to a local hospital, where he was placed on life support for what were described as major injuries. Despite medical efforts, Robert Overdevest died three days later.

Investigators with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Gang units identified three suspects. On July 26, 2024, authorities arrested Ashley Ruiz, 38, who was also known by the alias "Princess Barbie." Rhys Casterline, 22, was arrested on July 31, and Gabriel Valle, 24, was taken into custody on August 1. According to court documents, Ruiz initially denied firing a weapon but later admitted to detectives that she did, stating her intention was only to scare Robert, not to kill him.

Ruiz, Casterline, and Valle were each charged with first-degree murder. Ruiz faced an additional charge for possession of a firearm by a felon, while Casterline and Valle also faced charges of conspiracy. All three pleaded not guilty and were held without bail. In June 2025, after a preliminary hearing, a judge ordered all three defendants to stand trial on the murder charges.