Bakersfield, California – Dylan Matthew Franco, 22, is facing first-degree murder charges following an incident last month that left 36-year-old Aaron Delgado dead.
The incident occurred on the night of February 21, 2024, when police received a distress call regarding a man lying in the parking lot on Haley Street, near the Dollar Tree store on Columbus St. Upon arrival, Delgado was found with severe injuries, which unfortunately proved fatal.
According to reports by authorities, Delgado had a stab wound on his left side, as well as a cut on his hand. Additionally, unopened food items covered in blood were found nearby, along with a trail of blood drops leading to Delgado’s body.
Investigations were supported by surveillance footage obtained from both Dollar Tree and nearby businesses, revealing the events leading up to the tragic confrontation.
According to the collected footage, Delgado takes items from the store before running out through the back door. Subsequently, an employee identified as Franco is also captured hastily leaving through the front door after a security alarm was triggered.
Video from a nearby camera captured the moment Franco and Delgado confronted each other near the establishment. In the footage, a confrontation between the two individuals can be observed, which escalated into a physical altercation.
Following the altercation, Franco fled the scene, briefly pursued by Delgado, who later headed towards the parking lot where he ultimately collapsed. This murder in Bakersfield has deeply impacted the victim’s family.
As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to reflect on the need to prevent violence and seek peaceful solutions to the challenges we face as a society.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the wrongful death victim’s family and friends.
