BAKERSFIELD, CA – A late-night shooting along Edison Highway has led to a first-degree murder charge after investigators say a man returned to confront and kill another man he believed was involved with his girlfriend, according to court records and local reports. The case centers on a confrontation that escalated over several hours and ended with a fatal gunshot wound and an arrest weeks later.
Samuel Magdaleno, 38, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in connection with the death of 38-year-old Adrian Anthony Montiel. Jail records show Magdaleno is being held without bail. Authorities say the violence followed an earlier argument in which Magdaleno allegedly made a direct threat.
On Aug. 15, Magdaleno argued with Montiel and a neighbor, according to court records cited by KGET. During that confrontation, Magdaleno allegedly warned, “If I find out that it’s true, I’m coming back to shoot you.”
Escalation from argument to shooting
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said deputies initially responded to a call about the argument between the three individuals. Roughly two hours later, near midnight, a second call reported that Montiel had been shot.
Deputies arrived to find Montiel suffering from a gunshot wound to his right side. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died the following day. Investigators allege Magdaleno returned to the area of Edison Highway armed with a rifle and shot Montiel after the earlier dispute.
By the time deputies reached the scene, Magdaleno had left. Investigators later learned he had gone to a family member’s home, where relatives described his condition and statements to authorities.
Family statements and arrest timeline
According to court records, family members told investigators Magdaleno arrived “sweating profusely, out of breath, and paranoid,” and admitted involvement in the shooting. “Magdaleno was not acting like himself and told family he ‘got into it’ with [Montiel] and shot at him,” the court record reads.
Authorities say Magdaleno told relatives he discarded the rifle near a local bridge before leaving again after hearing sirens. He was arrested in October and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Thursday, Magdaleno’s trial was scheduled for Sept. 14.
Montiel, a Bakersfield resident, is remembered in his obituary as a “beautiful son,” a “loving and caring father,” and a “true friend.”
Bakersfield shooting, Samuel Magdaleno charges, Adrian Montiel death, Edison Highway homicide, Kern County murder case