On November 29, 2023, at approximately 9:16 p.m., deputies from the Kern County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of Iris Street in Wasco, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 34-year-old Michael Prendez Gonzalez of Bakersfield suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was promptly transported to Kern Medical for treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Gonzalez succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2023. The Kern County Coroner's Office later determined that his death resulted from complications of multiple gunshot wounds, officially ruling the manner of death as homicide.
As of the latest available information, the investigation into Gonzalez's death remains active. Authorities have not released details regarding any arrests or identified suspects connected to the case. The Kern County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information to resolve the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Gonzalez's passing has deeply affected his family and the local community. He is survived by his partner, Jillian Williams; his daughter, Mikayla Gonzalez; his parents, Santos Gonzalez and Michelle Prendez; and several siblings, nieces, and nephews. A funeral service was held on December 29, 2023, at Assembly of God - Canyon Hills in Wasco, followed by burial at Wasco Cemetery.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Gonzalez, with memorials and tributes highlighting the impact of gun violence in the area. His death is among several fatal shootings in Wasco, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety and the need for effective interventions to prevent such tragedies.
